Ethiopian Airlines Group has leased a used Boeing 737-800 from BOC Aviation to deploy on routes of its strategic partner Asky Airlines.
The aircraft is powered by CFM56 engines and has been delivered to Ethiopian Airlines to support the airline's expansion plans. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said the new arrival will be deployed by its strategic partner ASKY Airlines to enable it to expand its extensive West and Central Africa network.
"We are delighted to add Ethiopian, Africa's largest carrier, as a new customer," said Robert Martin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BOC Aviation. "This transaction builds on our position in the African market and supports Ethiopian's expansion plans."
BOC Aviation, based in Singapore, is one of the world's largest aircraft operating leasing companies with a portfolio of over 680 owned, managed and on order aircraft. The mid-sized narrowbody jet will be the lessor's first aircraft placed with Ethiopian Airlines.
Established in 1945, Ethiopian Airlines has transformed into one of Africa's leading carriers over 77 years. It currently operates a modern fleet of more than 146 aircraft with an average age of five years. Ethiopian also has 32 additional ultramodern aircraft on order.
Ethiopian took a 49% minority stake when it helped launch Togo-based Asky Airlines in 2010. Asky has since grown its operations in West and Central Africa using a fleet of regional jets.
