Ethiopian Airlines Expands Cargo Fleet with Boeing 777-8 Freighters

Ethiopian Airlines has strengthened its cargo operations with a new order for ten Boeing aircraft, announced on September 30. The deal includes eight Boeing 777-8 Freighters (777-8F) and two 777 Freighters (777F). The financial details and delivery timeline were not disclosed. This marks Ethiopian Airlines' second order within the 777X family, following its earlier purchase of eight passenger 777-9s, making it the first African airline to do so. With this new order, the airline's backlog for the 777X family now stands at 16 aircraft.

The 777-8F boasts a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes and is touted as the largest and highest-capacity twin-engine freighter globally. Boeing highlights its superior combination of payload and range, along with lower fuel consumption and the lowest operating cost per tonne among freighters. The new aircraft will retain key features of the 777F, including common cross-sections and the ability to carry oversized cargo.

Mesfin Tasew, group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, emphasized that this agreement enhances the airline's cargo capabilities and supports the expansion of its global network. The new aircraft will boost payload capacity, operational flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability, playing a crucial role in global trade and supply chain connectivity. Brad McMullen, Boeing's senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, noted that the order underscores the growing demand for air cargo and Ethiopian Airlines' continued confidence in Boeing.

Currently, Ethiopian Airlines' cargo unit connects over 70 markets worldwide, operating a fleet of twelve Boeing 777Fs, two 767Fs, and four 737-800SFs. The addition of the new freighters is expected to further solidify Ethiopia's position as a key cargo gateway between Africa and international markets.