GE Aerospace Signs Another Agreement for Widebody Engines with Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines Group signed two agreements with GE Aerospace: The first agreement involves 11 GEnx engines powering its Boeing 787 fleet, increasing it from 19 to 30 aircraft. The second agreement reaffirms its previous order for GE9X engines to power eight Boeing 777-9 aircraft, with options for six additional aircraft powered by 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.”

Both deals include a service agreement for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the GEnx and GE9X engines.

“We are honored to deepen our collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines, a valued partner for many years, and proud to support their mission to connect the world while advancing the future of sustainable aviation,” said Russell Stokes, GE Aerospace President and CEO, Commercial Engines and Services.

Ethiopian Airlines and GE Aerospace began a partnership in 2003 with an investment in GE Aerospace’s advanced engine technology.

This announcement comes on the heels of GE Aerospace announcing the largest widebody engine order in company history: Qatar Airways ordered more than 400 engines, including 60 GE9X engines, 260 GEnx engines, during President Trump’s visit to Doha, Qatar.

The order, which includes additional options and spare units, comprises two separate deals and provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) service agreements for the supplied engines.

“We are honored to deepen our relationship with Qatar Airways and grateful to them for placing their trust in us with our largest-ever widebody engine deal,” said H. Lawrence Culp Jr., GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO. “Our widebody engines—the GE9X and GEnx—are examples of modern engineering, with the durability and reliability to power flight across the longest distances. We appreciate President Trump’s support for this agreement.”

Qatar Airways will install these engines on Boeing 777-9 and Boeing 787 aircraft, adding to previous orders of 188 GE9X and 124 GEnx engines. With these deals, the company's total will increase to 248 GE9X engines and 384 GEnx engines, bolstering Qatar’s aviation industry through improved efficiency, performance, and availability.

Per the agreements, GE Aerospace will also execute on-wing support to deliver optimized engine performance and reduced downtime for Qatar Airways’ Boeing fleet. The MRO work will be conducted at GE Aerospace’s On-Wing Support Center in Qatar, where the company also trains aviation professionals, develops local talent, and builds regional support for the aviation industry.