Ethiopian Airlines has signed an agreement with Boeing for 10 new widebody freighters as the African carrier continues to expand its cargo operations and global freight network.
The firm order, announced on September 30, comprises eight Boeing 777-8 Freighters and two current-generation Boeing 777 Freighters. The agreement makes Ethiopian Airlines the first African carrier to order the 777-8F.
Two Generations Of Boeing Freighters
The two 777 Freighters will provide additional capacity in the near term, with deliveries scheduled for 2027 and 2028. The eight 777-8 Freighters are expected to arrive between 2033 and 2035, providing Ethiopian with a long-term replacement and expansion path for its cargo fleet.
The Boeing 777-8F is the freighter variant of the 777X family and has a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes. Its combination of payload and range is designed to allow airlines to operate long-haul cargo services while maintaining high utilisation of the aircraft.
The new aircraft will join Ethiopian’s existing Boeing freighter fleet, which currently consists of 12 777 Freighters, two 767 Freighters and four 737-800SF converted freighters.
The airline serves more than 70 cargo markets across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America.
Ethiopian Continues Cargo Expansion
Ethiopian Airlines says the additional freighters will increase its capacity to respond to growing demand for air cargo while giving the carrier greater flexibility across its international network.
The order is also Ethiopian’s second commitment to Boeing’s 777X family.
The airline previously ordered eight 777-9 passenger aircraft, making it the first African carrier to purchase a member of the 777X family. The new freighter order doubles Ethiopian’s 777X family order book to 16 aircraft.
In addition to the 10 firm orders, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said the airline plans to acquire four additional Boeing 777 aircraft converted from passenger aircraft into freighters. This would provide further cargo capacity alongside the newly ordered aircraft
