Ethiopian Airlines. Photo: Boeing Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines have signed a new agreement to expand their participation in the 787 Landing Gear Exchange Program, extending maintenance support to the carrier's growing fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
The agreement, announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK, will guarantee the availability of landing gear shipsets for 10 Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Ethiopian Airlines had previously enrolled 19 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners in the same program.
In April, the airline confirmed a new order for six Boeing 787-9 jets.
The two companies also renewed their Tailored Parts Package agreement, providing Ethiopian Airlines with continued access to Boeing's global spare parts network and customized maintenance support.
Boeing's Landing Gear Exchange Program is designed to simplify one of the most complex aspects of aircraft maintenance by allowing airlines to quickly swap landing gear with certified, ready-to-install units from Boeing's worldwide inventory. The service helps reduce aircraft downtime, lowers inventory costs, minimizes supply chain risks, and provides access to replacement landing gear during unexpected aircraft-on-ground (AOG) events.
The renewed Tailored Parts Package will further support Ethiopian Airlines by offering cost-effective access to Boeing's extensive parts inventory, helping streamline fleet maintenance and improve operational efficiency.
Retta Melaku, Chief Operating Officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group, said the airline has already experienced the benefits of the program with its 787-8 fleet: "We have seen first-hand the value it can provide. This reliable service continues to enable us to effectively manage our inventory and drive efficiency in maintenance operations, and now we can also apply those benefits for our 787-9 fleet."
William Ampofo, Senior Vice President of Parts & Distribution and Supply Chain at Boeing Global Services: "We value our longstanding partnership with Ethiopian Airlines and appreciate their vote of confidence as they continue to maximize the benefits offered by our Landing Gear Exchange program and Tailored Parts Package. This is a prime example of how we are delivering reliable services that help airlines minimize downtime, reduce supply chain risks and increase operational efficiency across the fleet."
The expanded agreement reinforces Boeing's growing focus on aftermarket services while helping Africa's largest airline maintain the reliability and efficiency of one of the continent's largest Dreamliner fleets.