Paris: Ethiopian Airlines confirms "Terrible Teens" Dreamliner order

The Star Alliance carrier disclosed the order for six Rolls-Royce-powered 787-8s, months after being linked to negotiations with Boeing on purchasing the early batch of -8 Dreamliners.

Boeing had struggled to find buyers for 10 787-8s that rolled off the assembly line before a block-point design change dramatically reduced the aircraft’s weight and increased fuel efficiency.

The last six have for several years been parked at Boeing’s widebody factory at Everett in Washington, waiting for a customer to claim them.

The latest 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 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."

PICTURED: WIth counter weights balancing the stored B787s near Seattle these early "teens" could soon be in Ethiopian livery.
(Picture: Getty Images)

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