Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, has been forced to lease aircraft to sustain its expansion plans due to delays from Boeing Co. in delivering new planes.
Over half of Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet consists of Boeing models. CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele revealed that the airline has been awaiting deliveries of 737 Max jets and 777 freighters since April. Boeing has not provided a new timeline for these deliveries, impacting the airline’s growth strategy.
“We are waiting to hear from them, and definitely, late delivery of airplanes will affect our growth plan,” Bekele said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. “In the meantime, we didn’t wait for Boeing and are now leasing airplanes to meet our needs,” he added.
Boeing did not respond to requests for comment. The company, facing one of its most challenging periods, saw its commercial aircraft deliveries stabilize in July, matching the previous year’s figures.
Both Boeing and rival Airbus SE are struggling with delivery delays due to ongoing parts shortages and workforce issues exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Boeing is also contending with the threat of a potential strike at its Seattle-area factories next month.
The delays have caused operational and financial strain for several airlines. Ryanair Holdings Plc, for instance, has expressed frustration over the delays affecting its 737 Max deliveries, potentially hindering its annual passenger targets.
Despite these challenges, Ethiopian Airlines remains committed to Boeing. In 2019, the airline’s 737 Max model was involved in a crash shortly after takeoff, leading to a global grounding of the aircraft.
Last year, the airline placed orders for 11 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 20 Boeing 737 Max planes as part of its fleet modernization strategy.
Bekele confirmed that Ethiopian Airlines expects to receive 16 aircraft this fiscal year, ending in June. This includes four A350-1000s from Airbus, scheduled for delivery between October and March. However, Boeing has only tentatively promised a 777 freighter for September and has not yet provided a schedule for the next 737 Max deliveries.
In October, Boeing will open a new office in Addis Ababa to enhance collaboration on aircraft component production.
Ethiopian Airlines continues to pursue expansion across Africa, strengthening partnerships with operators in Togo, Malawi, and Zambia.
