Ethiopian Airlines has signed an agreement to acquire eleven Boeing 737-8 aircraft, strengthening its short-haul and medium-haul fleet as the carrier advances its network expansion plans.

The commitment was announced at the Dubai Airshow, marking one of the airline’s most significant single-aisle additions in recent years.

Mesfin Tasew, chief executive of Ethiopian Airlines Group, said the new aircraft will support the company’s strategic growth targets. “The order will support our growth plans that we have set as part of our vision and strategy. Our partnership with Boeing continues to grow, and we look forward to serving our customers with high-performance airplanes offering passenger comfort,” he said.

The new 737-8 jets will be deployed across routes in Africa, the Middle East, India and Southern Europe, where the airline relies on the model’s fuel efficiency, reliability and quick turnaround times to maintain high-frequency schedules.

Boeing described the commitment as a reinforcement of its long-standing relationship with the Ethiopian flag carrier. “Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to expand its 737 MAX fleet reflects its leadership in Africa. Our new agreement also strengthens our nearly 80-year partnership with the airline and the region,” said Brad McMullen, senior vice-president of commercial sales and marketing at Boeing.

Ethiopian Airlines operates the largest Boeing fleet on the continent and holds Africa’s biggest order backlog for the 737 MAX, 777X and 787 Dreamliner families.