Ethiopian Airlines Eyes Boeing 777-8 Freighters as Cargo Ambitions Go Global
Ethiopian Airlines is in talks to purchase up to five Boeing 777-8 Freighter aircraft, which would significantly expand its cargo capacity and help it become a more formidable global player. The airline first signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Boeing for the 777-8F in March 2022, but negotiations have been slow due to various factors.
According to industry reports, Ethiopian is now edging closer to finalizing a firm contract for the aircraft, which would sit at the top of its multi-layered widebody freight fleet. The airline currently operates ten 777-200F freighters and has additional capacity coming through 777-300ERSF conversions later in the decade.
The Boeing 777-8 Freighter is a next-generation cargo variant that offers improved fuel burn, emissions, and payload capabilities compared to its predecessor. It's designed to target high-payload, fuel-efficient widebodies for long-haul operations, aligning with Ethiopian's ambitions to deepen links between Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.
The airline is also investing heavily in infrastructure to support this growth, including a recently inaugurated e-commerce logistics warehouse at Bole International Airport. This facility is part of its plan to position Addis Ababa as an e-commerce gateway for Africa, tapping into rising digital trade across the continent.