Addis Ababa, May 17, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopian Airlines Group has signed two strategic agreements with GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE), reaffirming its commitment to fleet modernization, operational efficiency, and sustainable aviation.
The deals confirm Ethiopian’s selection of the GEnx engine to power 11 newly ordered Boeing 787 aircraft and reinforce its earlier order for GE9X engines to power eight Boeing 777-9 aircraft.
The agreement regarding the GEnx engine will expand Ethiopian Airlines’ GEnx-powered fleet from 19 to 30 aircraft, further strengthening the airline’s leadership in adopting cutting-edge aviation technology. This information was confirmed to Fana Media Corporation by the airline’s communications department.
Additionally, the airline has reaffirmed its order for GE9X engines and secured options for six additional aircraft powered by the same advanced propulsion system. Both agreements also include a comprehensive service contract covering the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of the GEnx and GE9X engines.
“Our partnership with GE Aerospace has been instrumental in enabling us to deliver world-class service to our passengers as Africa’s leading airline,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew. “These agreements for GE9X and GEnx engines reflect our commitment to fleet modernization, operational efficiency, and sustainability as we continue to connect Africa to the world.”
Russell Stokes, President and CEO of GE Aerospace’s Commercial Engines and Services, welcomed the expanded collaboration: “We are honored to deepen our partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, a valued customer for many years. We are proud to support their mission to connect the world while advancing the future of sustainable aviation.”
These latest deals mark a new chapter in the long-standing relationship between Ethiopian Airlines and GE Aerospace, which began in 2003. Ethiopian’s continued investment in GE Aerospace’s advanced engine technologies underscores its dedication to enhancing passenger service while pursuing sustainability and efficiency goals.
The GE9X is the most powerful commercial aircraft engine in the world and the most fuel-efficient in its class. Designed exclusively for the Boeing 777X family—including the 777-9 and 777-8—the GE9X delivers 10 percent better specific fuel consumption than its predecessor, the GE90-115B, and features next-generation emissions performance.
Since entering service in 2011, the GEnx engine family has amassed over 62 million flight hours. It is GE Aerospace’s fastest-selling high-thrust engine, with more than 3,600 engines in service and backlog, including spare units. Today, two-thirds of all 787s in operation are powered by GEnx engines.
Both the GEnx and GE9X engines are certified to operate on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends, in line with GE Aerospace’s broader commitment to decarbonizing commercial aviation.