Ethiopian Airlines to Sign Deal with Boeing for 10 Freighters

Ethiopian Airlines is set to sign an agreement with Boeing for the purchase of 10 freighter aircraft. The deal, which includes two current-generation 777F aircraft and eight orders for the delayed new 777-8F freighter model, will help Boeing bridge a gap in its order book.

The agreement comes after industry sources revealed earlier this month that Ethiopia's state-owned airline was nearing a deal to buy up to 10 long-haul Boeing freighters. The purchase is part of the airline's efforts to fund a $12.5-billion plan for what officials say will be Africa's largest airport, with phase one due to open in 2030.