Ethiopian Airlines announced plans to add another eleven 737 MAX to its fleet during the 2025 Dubai Air Show this week. But its plans for the aircraft’s interior is far more significant than the incremental order.
The carrier is the latest to see the appeal of a premium travel experience for single-aisle planes. The carrier’s MAX fleet will be fitted with the Collins Diamond lie-flat product going forward.
By combining Collins’ technology such as the Elevation suites and Parallel Diamond seats with our onboard services, we are enhancing our passengers’ in-flight experience with superior comfort, privacy, and truly reflecting the essence of Ethiopian hospitality and innovation. – Retta Melaku, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Operating Officer
Ethiopian operates the MAX across a range of routes, including a half dozen stretching beyond six hours in length today. Those markets, as well as some shorter but in premium business markets, offer a compelling opportunity to sell the more premium cabin experience.
The ability to provide that premium on the shorter flight is also significant as the carrier continues to expand its role as a connecting hub of Africa. Passengers connecting to the long-haul fleet will enjoy the continuity of the premium experience.
Similar motivation drove Etihad’s decision to add a full first class option on its A321LR fleet. The flydubai MAX fleet also features lie-flat beds in business class, allowing it to feed Emirates at Dubai for onward connections.
The deal calls for 56 of Ethiopian’s 737 MAX fleet to be fitted with the seats. That appears to cover the entirety of the existing fleet and pending order book, including the 11 new aircraft. A query to Ethiopian to confirm a full retrofit program and timeline is pending at time of publication.
More news from the 2025 Dubai Air Show
- Emirates Confirms Starlink Inflight Internet Upgrade
- Gogo Adds First Middle Eastern BBJ for Galileo FDX
- SkyFive, flynas (re)Commit to Inflight Internet
- flydubai Picks Starlink to Bring Back Inflight Internet
- Vallair, AeroX Team for Starlink Install Services
- Emirates Taps Safran Seats, Panasonic Avionics in Updated Retrofit Plans
- Etihad Expands Viasat Inflight Internet Commitment
- Azerbaijan Airlines adds Viasat Wi-Fi
- flydubai Picks PAC’s Astrova for Dreamliner IFE
- Ethiopian Goes Upscale with 737 MAX Lie-Flat Seating
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