Ethiopia and Senegal place multi-billion-dollar order for 20 US-made Boeing 737 MAX planes

Boeing announced a pair of significant commitments from African carriers at the Dubai Airshow, signalling renewed momentum for the U.S. planemaker in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.

Air Senegal confirmed an order for nine 737 MAX jets, with options for six more, while Ethiopian Airline, the continent’s largest carrier, unveiled a separate agreement for 11 additional 737-8 aircraft.

Air Senegal’s agreement marks one of its most important fleet-renewal steps as the airline seeks to stabilise operations and expand services.

The signing ceremony was attended by Yankhoba Diémé, Senegal’s Minister of Infrastructure and Land and Air Transport, and Brad McMullen, Boeing’s senior vice president for global sales and marketing.

The order is expected to support the carrier’s ambitions to improve reliability and grow capacity on regional and medium-haul routes.

Ethiopian Airlines strengthened its position as Africa’s largest Boeing operator by committing to 11 new 737-8 jets. The carrier, which already has the continent’s biggest Boeing backlog, spanning 737 MAXs, 777Xs, and 787 Dreamliners, said the new aircraft align with its long-term growth strategy.

“The order will support our growth plans as part of our vision and strategy,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew. Boeing’s Brad McMullen added that the airline’s decision “underscores its leadership in Africa” and further consolidates a partnership approaching eight decades.

This order comes on top of a record-breaking 124-aircraft order placed by Ethiopian Airlines last year, one of the largest by an African carrier with U.S.-based Boeing.

The new airport is designed to ease congestion at Bole International Airport and accommodate Ethiopian Airlines’ growing operations.

Planned to handle 100 million passengers annually, Bishoftu Airport will feature four runways and an integrated airport city, positioning it as a major hub for the airline and the wider region.

Combined with its expanding fleet, the new airport underscores Ethiopia’s ambition to strengthen its leadership in African aviation.

Both carriers rely heavily on the 737 MAX’s efficiency, reliability, and range to serve increasingly competitive routes across Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southern Europe. The aircraft’s performance and operating economics are key factors for airlines aiming to boost frequencies and manage rising costs.

The Dubai Airshow, running from 17 to 21 November, remains one of the aviation sector’s most influential trade events.

While order volumes are expected to be more measured than the $80 billion recorded in 2023, manufacturers still anticipate strong activity as airlines revise fleet strategies and plan for long-term growth.

Boeing is exhibiting a full-size 777X interior section, an F-15EX cockpit simulator, and its Cascade Climate Impact Model, which helps assess pathways to reduce aviation’s environmental footprint.

With a market capitalisation of about $150 billion and revenue exceeding $80 billion last year, Boeing continues to face profitability pressures, including weak gross margins.

Still, the company emphasises its deep partnerships across the Middle East and Africa. “Boeing is privileged to partner with airlines and governments across the region to continue building one of the world’s most thriving aerospace sectors,” said Dr. Brendan Nelson, president of Boeing Global.

As African airlines intensify their fleet-renewal programmes and respond to rising travel demand, Boeing’s latest commitments with Air Senegal and Ethiopian Airlines highlight the continent’s increasing strategic importance.

The deals reinforce Boeing’s competitive position as carriers seek efficient, flexible aircraft to support network expansion in the years ahead.