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Ethiopia and Senegal have placed multi-billion-dollar orders for a combined 20 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, marking a significant step in modernising their fleets and expanding capacity on regional and international routes.
Boeing revealed the two major African commitments at the Dubai Airshow, signalling renewed momentum for the U.S. manufacturer in one of aviation’s fastest-growing regions. Air Senegal confirmed a firm order for nine 737 MAX jets, with options for six additional aircraft. Ethiopian Airlines, the continent’s largest carrier, separately announced an agreement for 11 more 737-8s.
For Air Senegal, the deal represents a critical milestone in stabilising operations and advancing its service expansion. The signing ceremony was attended by Senegal’s Minister of Infrastructure and Land and Air Transport, Yankhoba Diémé, and Boeing’s senior vice president of global sales and marketing, Brad McMullen. The new aircraft are expected to boost reliability and increase capacity on key regional and medium-haul routes.
Ethiopian Airlines further cemented its status as Africa’s leading Boeing operator with its commitment to 11 new 737-8s. Already holding the continent’s largest Boeing backlog—including 737 MAXs, 777Xs, and 787 Dreamliners—the carrier said the additional aircraft align with its long-term growth agenda. “The order will support our growth plans as part of our vision and strategy,” noted Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew. Boeing’s Brad McMullen added that the move “underscores [Ethiopian’s] leadership in Africa,” reinforcing a partnership nearing 80 years.
This latest deal follows Ethiopian Airlines’ record-breaking order of 124 aircraft last year, one of the biggest placed by an African airline with Boeing. That purchase covered a mix of 737-8s, 777-200Fs, 777-9s, 787-9s, and additional Airbus models—many still awaiting delivery—highlighting the airline’s far-reaching expansion ambitions.
Ethiopia is simultaneously developing the USD 10 billion Bishoftu International Airport, 40 kilometres south of Addis Ababa. Designed to ease congestion at Bole International Airport, the new hub will feature four runways, support up to 100 million passengers annually, and anchor an integrated airport city—reinforcing the nation’s goal of maintaining leadership in African aviation.
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As African carriers accelerate fleet-renewal programmes and respond to rising passenger demand, Boeing’s latest orders from Air Senegal and Ethiopian Airlines underscore the continent’s growing importance in the global narrow-body market. The deals bolster Boeing’s competitive standing as airlines seek fuel-efficient, versatile aircraft to support future network expansion.
