{"id":50252,"date":"2026-04-18T10:27:44","date_gmt":"2026-04-18T07:27:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thereporterethiopia.com\/?p=50252"},"modified":"2026-04-18T10:27:44","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T07:27:44","slug":"six-decades-in-the-skies-boeing-ready-to-back-ethiopian-airlines-next-chapter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thereporterethiopia.com\/50252\/","title":{"rendered":"Six Decades in the Skies: Boeing Ready to Back Ethiopian Airlines\u2019 Next Chapter"},"content":{"rendered":"

This month marks 80 years since Ethiopian Airlines\u2019 first commercial flight, and later this year the carrier will commemorate the 64th anniversary of the order of its very first aircraft from American manufacturing giant, Boeing. <\/em><\/p>\n

The two companies have enjoyed a strong relationship over the past six-and-a-half decades. Today, Boeing\u2019s jets make up a large part of Ethiopian\u2019s fleet, and the Seattle, Washington-based manufacturer opened an office in Addis Ababa last year.<\/em><\/p>\n

As Ethiopian Airlines embarks on a multi-billion dollar airport in Bishoftu, its executives also seek to bolster their fleet with an order for 19 new jets from Boeing, including nine new 787 Dreamliners.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Reporter<\/em>\u2019s Ashenafi Endale caught up with Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing\u2019s vice president of commercial sales and marketing for Africa, for an inside look at the partnership between the two companies and their plans for the future of African aviation.<\/em><\/p>\n

Anbessie, a former chief operating officer at Ethiopian Airlines and board member of the Ethiopian Defense Engineering Corporation, has headed Boeing\u2019s sales and marketing in Africa since January 2023. <\/em><\/p>\n

An electrical engineer by training, Anbessie first joined Boeing\u2019s Customer Engineer Group in 2005, specializing in data analytics and maintenance optimization. In this role, he was awarded multiple patents for his innovation. <\/em><\/p>\n

In this interview with The Reporter\u2019s Ashenafi Endale, Anbessie describes the long-standing partnership between Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing from his unique perspective, outlines plans for the near future, and highlights the prospects for the African aviation industry.<\/em> EXCERPTS:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Reporter: <\/em><\/strong>How do you assess the evolution of the Ethiopian aviation industry in line with the evolution of aircraft technology over time?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The evolution of Ethiopian aviation closely mirrors the evolution of airplane technology. From its early operations in the 1940s with Douglas-built aircraft, Ethiopian Airlines entered the jet age in 1962 with the Boeing 720B, becoming the first airline in Africa to do so. Since then, each introduction of new technology, from the 767 to the 777 and later the 787 Dreamliner, has enabled step changes in range, efficiency, and reliability. This has allowed Ethiopian Airlines to move from a regional operator to a global carrier, demonstrating how technology has been a key enabler of aviation growth in Ethiopia and across Africa.<\/p>\n

In that context, how have Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines intertwined their growth trajectory over the past several decades?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The relationship between Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines is one of the longest-standing, spanning more than 75 years. It is a relationship that has been built on partnership and working together to further the Ethiopian Aerospace industry. Ethiopian Airlines has consistently been among the first carriers in Africa to introduce new Boeing airplanes, aligning its growth with advancements in aviation technology. This approach has supported the airline\u2019s expansion into new markets and strengthened its role as a continental hub. Over time, the partnership has evolved to include collaboration in training, operations, and long-term industry development.<\/p>\n

How do you think Boeing has contributed to ET\u2019s growth?
\n<\/strong>The introduction of the Boeing 720B in 1962 marked Ethiopian Airlines\u2019 transition into the jet age and a defining moment for African aviation. It enabled faster, more reliable travel and opened the door to longer routes, positioning Ethiopian as a pioneer on the continent. Each fleet milestone has unlocked new capabilities. The 767 supported more efficient long-haul operations, the 777 expanded capacity on high-demand international routes, and the 787 Dreamliner introduced improved fuel efficiency and passenger experience. These aircraft have enabled Ethiopian Airlines to scale its network while maintaining operational efficiency.<\/p>\n

Boeing has cultivated a long-term strategic relationship with Ethiopian Airlines, with capacity building and talent development as indispensable components. In 2019, Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines signed an MoU to position Ethiopia as Africa\u2019s aviation hub, focusing on industrial development, advanced training, educational partnerships, and leadership development. As part of this strategic framework, Boeing works with Ethiopian Airlines and Cranfield University, to deliver tailored training programs for the airline\u2019s employees in fleet and network planning, safety, and leadership. Boeing\u2019s collaboration with Ethiopian Aviation University on a range of cadet training courses that address key industry topics such as sustainability and joint community engagement initiatives such as the STEM School for Ethiopian school students also support skills development and help build a long-term talent pipeline for the aviation sector in Ethiopia and beyond.<\/p>\n

What, in your view, has particularly contributed to ET\u2019s success, amidst a number of African flag carriers struggling?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ethiopian Airlines\u2019 success is rooted in a long-term, consistent approach to growth, underpinned by early adoption of advanced aircraft technology and sustained investment in capability building. The airline has demonstrated a strong ability to align fleet modernization with network expansion, allowing it to scale efficiently over time. It has also invested in training, maintenance, and development of one of Africa\u2019s leading aviation academies and successful MRO facilities. These factors, combined with a clear strategic vision and strong partnerships, have enabled Ethiopian Airlines to build resilience and maintain a leading position on the continent.<\/p>\n

Looking ahead, why do you believe the next 20 years of African aviation growth may be more consequential than the last 80?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Africa is dawning upon a new age in its geopolitical and global economic position. This next phase of African aviation growth is critical. As economies across the continent grow alongside the liberalization of skies, driven by the shared vision of African nations, we shall see increasing demand for global and regional connectivity, trade, and mobility. To leverage this opportunity profitably and sustainably, our African airlines will need 1,200 new airplanes in order to modernize and grow their fleets as well as expand their networks. If not, this opportunity may be lost to airlines from outside the continent. Ethiopian Airlines are embarking on a huge expansion and growth plans to their fleet and also to the airport. We are proud to be their partners and look forward to working with them for their growth plans.<\/p>\n

More broadly, tell us about Boeing\u2019s market share landscape across Africa, and how this compares with its presence in other regions globally.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Boeing has a long-established presence in Africa, where its airplanes have formed the backbone of the commercial fleet for decades and represent around 70 percent of the in-service market across the continent. While market dynamics vary by region globally, Boeing\u2019s approach in Africa is centered on long-term partnerships, supporting airline growth, and contributing to the development of the broader aviation ecosystem through training, services, and capability building.<\/p>\n

How many aircraft is Boeing currently working to supply to ET?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The airline operates the largest Boeing fleet in Africa, including the 737, 777 and 787 families, which have supported its expansion into a leading global carrier. Most recently, Ethiopian Airlines committed to 11 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes and placed an order for nine 787-9 Dreamliners. These airplanes will be delivered over time and will support the airline\u2019s continued network expansion, improved efficiency, and long-term growth strategy. Ethiopian Airlines has also selected the Boeing 777-9 as part of its future widebody fleet, becoming the first carrier in Africa to do so, further reinforcing its long-term strategy to expand high-capacity, long-haul operations.<\/p>\n

Boeing inaugurated its Ethiopia office last year. What have its operations involved so far, and are there plans to open manufacturing facilities in Ethiopia in the near future?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Boeing\u2019s presence in Ethiopia reflects our long-term commitment to the country and to the broader African aviation market. The office supports engagement with key African stakeholders, including airlines, regulators, and industry partners, and plays a role in advancing initiatives related to training, education, safety, sustainability and industry development.<\/p>\n

Our industrial partnership with Ethiopian Airlines began in 2008 with the establishment of a wire-harness manufacturing facility in Addis Ababa. Since then, the relationship has further matured: Ethiopian Airlines and Ethiopian Sky Technologies joint venture produces thermo\u2011acoustic insulation blankets for the 737 MAX at the Ethiopian Airlines\u2019 MRO facility.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This month marks 80 years since Ethiopian Airlines\u2019 first commercial flight, and later this year the carrier will commemorate the 64th anniversary of the order of its very first aircraft from American manufacturing giant, Boeing. The two companies have enjoyed a strong relationship over the past six-and-a-half decades. Today, Boeing\u2019s jets make up a large […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":50253,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"editor_plus_copied_stylings":"{}","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1933],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-50252","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-interview"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thereporterethiopia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50252","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thereporterethiopia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thereporterethiopia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thereporterethiopia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/42"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thereporterethiopia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50252"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.thereporterethiopia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50252\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thereporterethiopia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/50253"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thereporterethiopia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50252"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thereporterethiopia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=50252"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thereporterethiopia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=50252"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}