Ethiopian Airlines Expands Fleet with 10 New Boeing Cargo Jets
Ethiopian Airlines has signed an agreement to acquire 10 new Boeing cargo planes, with an option to purchase eight additional aircraft. The deal includes eight Boeing 777-8Fs and two 777Fs, according to CEO Mesfin Tasew, who announced the agreement at a signing ceremony in Addis Ababa. The catalogue price for the aircraft is $5 billion, though the final negotiated price remains confidential.
The state-owned airline already operates a fleet of 12 777F cargo planes, along with three Boeing 767 freighters and four converted 737s for medium-haul routes. The total fleet exceeds 140 jets, showcasing the airline’s significant expansion plans.
Ethiopian Airlines is also supporting a $12.5 billion project to develop Bishoftu International Airport, set to become Africa’s largest airport by 2030. The airport’s first phase is scheduled to open in 2030, with the city of Bishoftu located about 28 miles southeast of Addis Ababa.