OREANDA-NEWS. Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Ethiopian Airlines today announced an order for six 787-8 Dreamliner at the Paris Air Show. 

The Dreamliners complement the airline's existing 13 787s currently operating in the fleet and are part of Ethiopian's long-term strategy to increase capacity and provide greater route flexibility to and from its hub in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

"In line with our Vision 2025 strategic road map and our fleet modernization and expansion project, we will keep investing heavily in technologically advanced and modern airplanes," said Tewolde GebreMariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. "This new addition to our fleet will not only benefit Ethiopian because of its unmatched operating costs, but will also help us to enhance overall travel experience of our customers. The Boeing 787 has earned approval of customers and we always work hard to cater to our customers' preference."

The 787 is a family of technologically advanced, super-efficient airplanes with new passenger-pleasing features. In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to midsize airplanes, the 787 will provide Ethiopian with unmatched fuel efficiency and environmental performance, using 20 percent less fuel and with 20 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes it replaces.

"The 787 is a perfect fit for Ethiopian's medium to long haul routes," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. "This order will enable the airline to realize greater efficiencies, improved performance and enhanced passenger comfort, and we look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the airline which goes back to its first order in 1960."

Ethiopian Airlines is the first African operator of the 787. Ethiopian Airlines currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of 737, 757, 767, 777, and 787 airplanes in passenger service, and has 757, MD11, 777 and a 737-400F airplane in cargo operations.