Article Posted on : - Jan 23, 2010

A file photo of Next-Generation 737-800s

SEATTLE (BNS): Ten Next-Generation 737-800s, valuing $767 million at list price, is ordered to Boeing by Ethiopian Airlines. The order previously was listed on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries Web site as unidentified.

According to a Boeing press release, in 2009, Ethiopian Airlines became the first African carrier to order and operate the ultra-long-range 777-200LR model. Ethiopian also was the first African carrier to order the 787 Dreamliner, ordering 10 in 2005.

"Since its founding in December 1945, Ethiopian Airlines has been a dedicated Boeing operator -- from first flights using DC-3 propeller-driven airplanes between Addis Ababa and Cairo, to recent orders for the long haul 787s and 777-200LRs, and continuing now with 737-800s. Ethiopian Airlines has been among the most profitable airlines in the region and one of our most valued partners," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes in a press release.

"The Boeing Next-Generation 737 has proven to be a reliable and profitable component of our fleet," said Ethiopian Airlines Chief Executive Officer Ato Girma Wake. "Boeing has been an important and valued partner to Ethiopian for many, many years. This order reinforces the deep ties between our two companies."

Ethiopian Airlines is an all-Boeing operator. The airline operates five 737-700s and two 737-800s. Ethiopian also operates nine 757s, 10 767s and one MD-11BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter), with a second MD-11BCF arriving in August, it said.