Washington is pushing to secure strong United States participation in the construction of Ethiopia's new USD12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport, linking it to more Boeing aircraft for Ethiopian Airlines.

Addressing a July 29 virtual media briefing from the Africa Logistics and Communications Symposium in Ethiopia, Mark Mitchell, US deputy assistant secretary of commerce for the Middle East and Africa, disclosed that the airport under construction about 45km outside of Addis Ababa International was discussed during meetings with the Ethiopian government and Ethiopian Airlines.

"We're excited about what that airport's expansion portends for the airline's growth, meaning more Boeing aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines connecting Africa to the world further," he said.

"Across agencies, the US government is committed to exploring ways to support the realisation of this transformative project. And the Department of Commerce has closely engaged in pushing to secure strong United States participation," he added.

Ethiopian Airlines Group has completed the prequalification stage for the engineering, procurement, construction, and financing (EPC-F) contracts covering the four main work packages of the planned airport facility. The shortlisted bidders, comprising a mix of major international construction firms and joint ventures from China, Europe, the Middle East, Türkiye, India, and Russia, will now advance to the next stage of the tender process.

The packages cover the airport's main terminal facilities, support facilities, airfield and infrastructure works, and offsite transport links.

Groundworks on the project started in January 2026, with USD610 million worth of earthworks to be completed this year. Ethiopian Airlines is funding 20-30% of the cost, with the balance to be financed by international lenders, including the African Development Bank, which has pledged USD500 million.

Ethiopian Airlines recently converted options for six B787-9s into firm orders with Boeing, finalising commitments first announced in 2023. The airline already operates Africa's largest B787 fleet, including ten B787-9s and twenty B787-8s. In January, it announced an order for nine more B787-9s, and it currently awaits delivery of 26 aircraft of the type.

The flag carrier also has eight B777-9s on order, while already operating five B777-300ERs, six B777-200LRs, and twelve B777-200F freighters. Of the B767 variant, Ethiopian operates one B767-300ER(BDSF) and two B767-300Fs.

Mitchell said the US was looking to strengthen the business environment for US companies in Ethiopia. The latest talks followed a public-private dialogue co-hosted last week by the American Chamber of Commerce and the Ethiopian Investment Commission. Mitchell said Ethiopia's reform agenda would create "genuine opportunities" for US companies while strengthening economic ties between the United States and Ethiopia.