Key Takeaways
• Ethiopian Airlines expands GEnx-powered Boeing 787 Dreamliners from 19 to 30 aircraft with new GE Aerospace deal.
• GEnx engines offer 99.98% dispatch reliability and 1.4% fuel savings for flights over 3,000 nautical miles.
• Maintenance contract ensures long-term support for both GEnx and GE9X engines, boosting reliability and cost management.
Ethiopian Airlines has taken another big step in its effort to grow and modernize its aircraft fleet by working closely with GE Aerospace. On May 17, 2025, the airline signed an important agreement to use GEnx engines from GE Aerospace for 11 new Boeing 787 Dreamliner airplanes. With this decision, Ethiopian Airlines is set to expand its fleet of airplanes powered by GEnx engines from 19 to 30. This move shows how strongly the airline believes in the benefits of new technology, increased efficiency, and a greener future for flying.
Why Ethiopian Airlines Chose GE Aerospace Engines
The choice to partner with GE Aerospace was not made lightly. Ethiopian Airlines had to consider how these engines would help them serve more passengers, lower their weekly operating costs, and stay competitive on international routes. The GEnx engine, produced by GE Aerospace, has become one of the most popular engines in the world for planes that fly long distances, especially for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
When faced with the decision of which engine to use, Ethiopian Airlines recognized that the GEnx engine offers strong performance and is known for being very dependable. In their public announcement, Mesfin Tasew, who is the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, explained, “These agreements reflect our commitment to fleet modernization, operational efficiency and sustainability.” This statement shows that Ethiopian Airlines aims to not only grow its business but also cut down on polluting the air and use modern technology.
Details of the GEnx Engine
The GEnx engine has become the fastest-selling engine for widebody jets made by GE Aerospace. A widebody jet is a large plane with two aisles, often used for flying between continents. According to recent data, there are more than 3,000 GEnx engines either already in use or on order by airlines around the world. These engines are found on both the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Boeing 747-8.
The popularity of the GEnx engine comes from several clear benefits:
– It has a dispatch reliability rate of 99.98%. This simply means that the engine is very dependable and hardly ever causes delays.
– The engine helps airlines reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which is better for the environment.
– For flights covering 3,000 nautical miles, the GEnx uses about 1.4% less fuel than other similar engines. This means airlines can save money and burn less fuel over many flights.
– The GEnx is made with advanced materials that help it last longer and perform better, even on long and tough journeys.
GE Aerospace has made sure to fit different versions of the GEnx engine onto each model of the Boeing 787:
– GEnx-1B70 for the Boeing 787-8
– GEnx-1B74/75 for the Boeing 787-9
– GEnx-1B76/78 for the Boeing 787-10
While it is not officially confirmed which exact engine variant Ethiopian Airlines picked, various reports say the airline has chosen the GEnx-1B engines to power their new 787-9 planes.
Maintenance and Support Commitments
Another core part of this new agreement is the long-term maintenance plan. This means that not only will Ethiopian Airlines get the latest and most efficient engines, but GE Aerospace will also take care of these engines for years to come, making sure they run smoothly and safely. This maintenance plan covers both the GEnx engines for the newer Boeing 787 planes and the GE9X engines for the airline’s future Boeing 777-9 aircraft.
A maintenance agreement gives Ethiopian Airlines steady support as its fleet gets bigger and its routes get longer. It reduces the risk of surprise breakdowns or costly repairs, which in turn helps the airline manage money better and keep passengers happy with on-time flights.
Looking at More Than Just the 787
Ethiopian Airlines is not only thinking about the Boeing 787. The airline previously confirmed an order for the latest GE9X engines to be used on eight new Boeing 777-9 planes, with an option to add six more later on. The GE9X is another top engine from GE Aerospace, built for large long-distance aircraft. This choice shows that Ethiopian Airlines trusts GE Aerospace to power different types of modern planes.
This multi-faceted partnership means Ethiopian Airlines is building a family of airplanes all supported by the same engine supplier. It helps with operating and maintenance costs, as crews and engineers can work with similar technologies across the airline’s long-haul fleet.
Market Share and Strategic Impact
GE Aerospace is now in a strong position in the market for engines that power the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The numbers tell the story: by the start of 2020, 61% of all Boeing 787s ordered had picked GE Aerospace engines, compared to 32% who selected a competitor, the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine.
With its recent order, Ethiopian Airlines adds even more weight to GE Aerospace’s lead. This growing support is good for GE Aerospace as it means more airlines trust its engines for new planes.
For Ethiopian Airlines, this means they are using engines that many of the world’s top airlines also trust. It signals to passengers and other businesses that the airline is dedicated to reliability, efficiency, and lowering carbon emissions.
How These Changes Affect Flights, Jobs, and the Environment
For travelers, the main effect they will see is smoother, more reliable flights. With GEnx engines, the planes are less likely to have technical issues that lead to delayed or canceled flights. Passengers can expect to get to their destinations comfortably and on time.
From a business point of view, using GEnx engines can help Ethiopian Airlines control costs. Saving on fuel—even a 1.4% improvement—adds up to a lot of money over many flights and thousands of miles each year. Lower costs allow the airline to keep tickets affordable or spend more on other improvements.
For the airline industry as a whole, each time a major airline like Ethiopian Airlines chooses engines with lower CO2 output and advanced materials, it pushes the entire sector toward more responsible business. Airlines together create a lot of carbon emissions, much of it from long-haul, international flights. Switching to greener engines is an important step to slow down climate change.
The advanced materials used by GE Aerospace mean the engines last longer and require less frequent repairs. This reduces waste from worn-out parts, which supports efforts toward greener aviation. These details reflect a growing trend: airlines and their suppliers are working together to build a cleaner future for aviation.
Ethiopian Airlines’ Place in Africa and Beyond
Ethiopian Airlines is Africa’s largest carrier and is considered one of the continent’s most respected airlines. By choosing GE Aerospace engines for its Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 777-9 fleets, the airline is not only maintaining a high standard but also setting an example for others in the region.
Other airlines in Africa may look to Ethiopian Airlines for inspiration as they decide which planes and engines to use when upgrading their own fleets. When such a large and well-known carrier makes a decision, it often leads others in the same direction.
Having a modern, reliable fleet also makes it easier for Ethiopian Airlines to expand into new markets. With the ability to fly longer distances efficiently, the airline can open new routes to the United States 🇺🇸, Europe, Asia, and beyond. This helps connect Africa with the rest of the world and creates new opportunities for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Global Aviation
When airlines select new engines and planes, these choices have ripple effects throughout the world. Ethiopian Airlines’ partnership with GE Aerospace and Boeing affects many groups, including airplane makers, engine builders, airport workers, and travelers.
- Passengers benefit from better reliability, more destinations, and possibly lower fares.
- Airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines streamline their costs and position themselves as leaders in modern aviation.
- Manufacturers like GE Aerospace and Boeing receive large, steady orders, which helps fund future engine and plane models.
- Countries gain because modern fleets mean more trade, more tourism, and better transportation connections between cities and continents.
Choosing advanced engines plays a key part in meeting stricter rules about carbon emissions. Air travel is responsible for a large part of global carbon emissions, especially for longer international routes. By investing in fuel-efficient engines now, airlines can meet new environmental rules and please travelers who want to fly in “greener” ways.
Addressing Potential Concerns and Different Viewpoints
Not everyone supports airline expansion or the growth of aviation. Some environmental groups worry that even the most modern engines still burn fossil fuels and produce CO2. They argue that airlines should move faster toward alternative fuels or even rethink how often we fly.
Others point out the economic benefits. In countries like Ethiopia 🇪🇹, aviation supports thousands of jobs both directly (pilots, cabin crew, engineers) and indirectly (tourism, hotel, and transport workers). By choosing reliable engines and growing its fleet, Ethiopian Airlines helps create new jobs and keeps the country connected.
VisaVerge.com’s investigation reveals that while the airline industry faces tough questions about its impact on the environment, moving to more efficient engines is a needed first step. Airlines like Ethiopian Airlines are choosing advanced engine technology because it brings both economic growth and a smaller carbon footprint.
Understanding the Official Process
For airlines wanting to buy new planes and engines, it is a complex process. The agreements cover not just the price but also long-term engine care, spare parts, and training for pilots and mechanics. Airlines must follow many national and international rules before putting new aircraft into service. These rules protect passengers and make sure that the new technology works as promised.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website provides detailed information about how new planes and engines are certified and brought into service in the United States 🇺🇸—a process followed by many countries around the world. This link is helpful for people wanting to learn more about airline safety and the rules around new airplane technology.
What Comes Next for Ethiopian Airlines
As Ethiopian Airlines puts more Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes with GEnx engines into service, they are building toward a future where passengers can expect even safer, cheaper, and more comfortable flights. It also means the airline stands out as a leader in using modern planes and engines.
In time, other African airlines may follow the same path, supporting the spread of safer, cleaner, and better air travel across the continent. As more countries and airlines focus on better technology, everyone stands to benefit—from passengers, to workers, to the planet itself.
In short, Ethiopian Airlines’ latest step to choose the GEnx engines from GE Aerospace for its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet is about more than just buying new engines. It’s a decision that supports the airline’s growth, helps the environment, strengthens Africa’s place in global aviation, and ensures smoother journeys for millions of travelers every year.
Learn Today
GEnx Engine → A modern jet engine by GE Aerospace, known for fuel savings, high reliability, and lower carbon emissions, powering Boeing 787.
Dispatch Reliability → A measure showing how consistently an aircraft engine allows scheduled flights to depart without technical delays.
Widebody Jet → A large passenger airplane with two aisles, designed for long-distance international flights carrying more passengers.
Maintenance Agreement → A contract between airlines and manufacturers to provide engine upkeep, repairs, and technical support over an extended period.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions → Greenhouse gas released from burning fuel in aircraft engines; reducing these helps limit climate change impacts.
This Article in a Nutshell
Ethiopian Airlines is modernizing its fleet by acquiring 11 Boeing 787 Dreamliners powered by GE Aerospace’s GEnx engines. With this upgrade, their GEnx-powered aircraft rise to 30, emphasizing efficiency and sustainability. A maintenance agreement extends support, ensuring reliability, environmental benefits, and continued airline leadership across Africa and global aviation markets.
— By VisaVerge.com
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