Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Mesfin Tasew, told afp.com that Boeing’s ongoing troubles would negatively affect the airline’s long-term growth goals.
Ethiopian expected to take delivery of B737 MAX and B777F aircraft earlier this year, however the delivery dates have been set back. The airline also ordered Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Boeing 777Xs in March.
Due to the delays, Ethiopian has been forced to lease MAX aircraft to ensure it has enough capacity for its near-term schedule.
Tasew pointed out that Boeing's rival, Airbus, had so far remained punctual with its deliveries to the African carrier. Airbus plans to deliver four A350-1000s to Ethiopian by March 2025, with the airline having celebrating the first arrival in early November.
While Boeing managed to end the seven-week strike, it explained that it would take time to restore production levels.
