Africa’s aviation giant is preparing for a new decade of dominance. On January 20, 2026, Ethiopian Airlines confirmed a firm order for nine Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, a move that solidifies its status as the operator of the continent's largest Dreamliner fleet. These advanced widebody jets, scheduled for delivery between 2031 and 2033, are the centerpiece of the carrier’s "Vision 2040" strategic plan. By integrating these ultra-efficient aircraft—which reduce fuel consumption and emissions by 25% compared to previous generations—Ethiopian is positioning itself to enter the global top 20 airlines. The order follows a busy 2025, where the airline also finalized deals for 11 Boeing 737 MAX jets and six Airbus A350-900s, bringing its total Boeing backlog to 60 aircraft. This fleet expansion is timed to coincide with the groundbreaking of the Bishoftu International Mega Airport City, a transformative $6 billion project that began construction earlier this month. The new hub is designed to h...