First African carrier to order new ultra-long-range aircraft

Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines recently announced an order for five Boeing 777-200LR (Longer Range) airplanes.

In doing so, Ethiopian Airlines becomes the first African carrier to order and operate the ultra-long-range 777-200LR model. Ethiopian was the first African carrier to order the 787 Dreamliner, ordering 10 in 2005. The order is valued at $1.3bn based on list price. General Electric GE90-115 engines power the 777-200LR. The carrier is investing in the additional airplanes to expand its fleet and broaden its network. Ethiopian Airlines will use the 777-200LR to fly to new long-haul nonstop markets such as Washington, D.C. and Beijing. "The 777-200LR is the only airplane in the world that offers the range and efficiency Ethiopian needs to serve long-haul markets and further position Addis Ababa as a strategic hub for East Africa," said Ihssane Mounir, vice president of Sales for Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean. Ethiopian Airlines is currently an all- Boeing operator.