Ethiopian Airlines Closes in on Boeing Freighters Deal Amid Africa Hub Plans
Ethiopian Airlines is close to signing a deal to purchase up to 10 Boeing freighters, including two current-generation 777F aircraft and possibly eight more of the delayed 777-8F model. The move would help the US-based planemaker bridge a gap until its new cargo plane enters service.
The order is part of plans by Ethiopian Airlines to establish a new hub in Africa, competing with Gulf carriers. Boeing has faced pressure to keep producing the 777F due to delays in developing the successor model, the 777X.
Under international emissions rules, Boeing must stop making the widely used 777F at the end of 2027. However, a recent request by Boeing to deliver another 35 777F freighters has been pending with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), citing strong demand and a delay in 777X certification.