Aviation

Ethiopian Airlines to Enhance Widebody Fleet with Acquisition of 20 Boeing 777X Jets

Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing today announced that they have reached an agreement for the East African airline to buy eight 777-9 passenger aircraft, with the possibility of purchasing up to 12 more.

In addition to building on its historic 2023 order for 11 787 Dreamliners and 20 737 MAX aircraft to modernise and expand its fleet, ethiopian airlines has chosen to acquire 777-9 aircraft, making it the first 777X customer in Africa.

The 777-9, which is based on the 777 and incorporates cutting-edge technologies from the 787 Dreamliner family, has new carbon-fiber composite wings and engines, allowing it to outperform rival aircraft by 10% in terms of operational costs and fuel economy. In order to access high-demand markets in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America, Ethiopian Airlines wants to expand and refresh its fleet in terms of size, range, and passenger and cargo capacity. The 777-9 will help these efforts.

More than half of Ethiopian Airlines’ current fleet consists of boeing airplanes, which includes 15 737 MAX jets, 20 777s, three 767s, 29 787 Dreamliners, and 27 Next-Generation 737s. Ethiopian Airlines and boeing are still looking for ways to grow the nation’s aerospace industry.

Some of these include providing support for MRO capabilities, industrial development, STEM education, training at the Ethiopian Aviation University, and supplying aerospace exhibits for the Ethiopian Museum of Science.

According to boeing planes Commercial Market Outlook, air traffic in Africa is expected to expand at an annual pace of more than 7% through 2042, making it the third-highest growing area globally and above the global average of about 6%. With a range of 13,510 km (7,295 nautical miles), the 777-9 allows flights from Addis Ababa to as far as Seattle in the United States, giving expanded features for passengers and expansion potential for airlines.

You can now purchase an Airbus A380 for $25 million

British Airways Launches Fully-Funded Pilot Training Program

Air India selects RECARO seats for new Aircraft

Alaska Airlines Acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines

View all stories

Airlines

Air India to Launch aircraft maintenance training institute in Bengaluru

Air India, one of India’s leading global airlines, is set to establish a Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO) in Bengaluru.

This institute will offer a comprehensive Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The program will follow an integrated 2+2 year structure, combining classroom learning with practical, hands-on training.

This initiative is part of Air India’s broader goal of creating a robust aviation ecosystem in India. With plans to expand its fleet and strengthen its operations, the airline aims to build a skilled workforce of maintenance engineers, making the organization self-reliant while supporting its ambitious transformation journey.

This country tops visa rejections in the popular Schengen countries

To bring this vision to life, air india has partnered with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL), a subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). Together, they will develop a state-of-the-art facility spanning 86,000 square feet at Bengaluru Airport City.

This purpose-built campus will feature modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and qualified trainers to deliver world-class education and training. The institute is expected to become operational by mid-2026.

The BMTO will be located close to Air India’s new 12-bay Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, also set to open in Bengaluru by early 2026. The AME program will begin with two years of academic coursework, followed by two years of practical training at the MRO, ensuring students receive hands-on experience adhering to industry standards.

Sanctions & Engine Issues Ground Half of Russia’s A320neo fleet

In the meantime, Air India has introduced a Cadet AME program in collaboration with reputable institutions in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

This ensures continuity in its commitment to developing skilled aircraft maintenance engineers while the BMTO facility is under construction. The program also allows students to pursue a bachelor’s degree through university partnerships, enhancing their career and academic opportunities.

With this initiative, air india plane aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in aircraft maintenance and engineering, air india new planes contributing to the development of India’s aviation sector and creating specialized career paths for aspiring engineers.