Ethiopian Airlines is evaluating the Boeing 737 Max as it charts out an ambitious growth plan to triple its fleet by 2025.
The carrier aims to operate 120 aircraft by 2025 under its current strategic plan, says airline chief executive Tewolde GebreMariam.
Ethiopian received its 49th aircraft, its first Boeing 787-8, from Boeing in Seattle on 14 August.
The airline currently operates 12 737 Next Generation aircraft and is awaiting delivery of seven more 737-800s. It will make a decision on a new narrowbody order after these deliveries are complete in 2014.
Ethiopian is also considering the Airbus A320neo family for its future narrowbody fleet, says GebreMariam. "Since we are committed to the 737, the Max makes more sense," he adds.
The airline will take delivery of 14 aircraft during its current fiscal year, which ends 30 June 2013: five 787s, five Bombardier Q400s, two Boeing 777 freighters and two 737-800s.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
