Africa’s largest and fastest-growing airline, Ethiopian Airlines, has received the first of its expected 30 MAX jets from Boeing, making it the largest 737 MAX fleet in the continent.

The 737 MAX is the fastest-selling aircraft in Boeing history, accumulating more than 4,500 orders to date from 99 customers worldwide. One of them is Ethiopian Airlines, which has long operated the efficient and reliable Boeing 737 aircraft.

With an order of 30 MAX jets in total, the airline is looking to achieve a double-digit improvement in fuel efficiency and provide passengers with a more comfortable experience. In Ethiopian Airline’s configuration, the 737 MAX 8 will seat 160 passengers.

“We are glad to include the Boeing 737 MAX 8, the latest in Boeing’s single-aisle series, in our young and modern fleet of over 100 aircraft with an average age of fewer than five years,” said Ethiopian Airlines group CEO, Tewolde GebreMariam.

The delivery expands Ethiopian’s Boeing fleet to 73 jets, including the 787 Dreamliner, 777, 737 MAX, and the 757 and 767.

Commenting on the aeroplane’s highlights, GebreMariam added: “The Boeing 737 MAX 8 features the new Boeing sky interior, highlighted by modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals, LED lighting that enhances the sense of spaciousness ultimately boosting our customers’ experience.

“pioneering latest-technology aircraft into Africa throughout its 72-year history”

“Since it is more fuel efficient than the current 737-NG, it has less carbon emission to the environment. As a customer-centric airline with a high adaptability to emerging technologies, Ethiopian has been pioneering latest-technology aircraft into Africa throughout its 72-year history.”

Ethiopian Airlines plans on investing more on fleet expansion by acquiring the latest aircraft the industry has to offer, in line with the group’s growth strategy under its Vision 2025 scheme.

Powering the 737 MAX aircraft are CFM International LEAP-1B engines. It has Advanced Technology winglets, the Boeing Sky Interior, large flight deck displays, and other improvements that aims to provide the highest fuel efficiency, reliability, and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.

“Ethiopian Airlines continues to fly at the forefront of Africa’s commercial aviation industry by operating the most advanced aeroplanes,” said Marty Bentrott, Boeing sales vice president for the Middle East, Turkey, Russia, Central Asia & Africa. “We are honoured by Ethiopian’s continuing confidence in Boeing aeroplanes and we look forward to growing our five-decade long partnership.”