Ethiopian Airlines Orders Eight Boeing 777-8 Freighters and Two 777 Freighters

Ethiopia – Ethiopian Airlines has placed a firm order for eight Boeing 777-8 Freighters and two current-generation 777 Freighters, expanding both its cargo fleet pipeline and future 777X pilot-training requirement. The airline becomes the first African customer for the 777-8F and now has 16 firm 777X-family aircraft on order across passenger and freighter variants.

• Ethiopian currently operates 12 Boeing 777 Freighters, two 767 Freighters and four 737-800SF aircraft, giving it an 18-aircraft dedicated cargo fleet before the latest order is delivered. The airline serves more than 70 cargo markets across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America.
• The two additional 777Fs will expand a type already embedded in Ethiopian’s operations and training system, while the eight 777-8Fs introduce the 777X generation into its cargo operation.
• Ethiopian Aviation University already provides Boeing 777 Full Flight Simulator training in Addis Ababa, including type-rating, transition, recurrent and requalification activity.
• The 777-8F has a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes and a range of 5,000 nautical miles with a 110-tonne payload. It uses the GE Aerospace GE9X engine and incorporates the flight-deck architecture and other technologies developed for the 777X family.
• Ethiopian is also adding two 777-300ERSF converted freighters through a lease agreement with AerCap, with those aircraft scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2028. The latest Boeing order forms part of a broader expansion of the airline’s large-widebody cargo capacity.

Statements

• “This agreement marks another significant milestone in strengthening Ethiopian Airlines' cargo capabilities while supporting the continued expansion of our global network. The addition of the Boeing 777-8F Freighters and 777F Freighters will enhance our ability to serve customers around the world with greater payload capacity, operational flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability. As demand for cargo services continues to grow, these aircraft will play a vital role in facilitating global trade, strengthening supply chain connectivity, and further reinforcing Ethiopia's position as a leading cargo gateway between Africa and international markets. It also marks our long-term partnership with Boeing,” said Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines.
• "Ethiopian Airlines' order for the industry-leading 777 Freighter and new 777-8 Freighter highlights both the strength of our partnership and growing demand for air cargo worldwide. We appreciate Ethiopian Airlines' continued confidence in Boeing and the 777 and 777X family of airplanes as it expands its cargo capabilities and global network. The airline continues to make history as the first in Africa to order the new 777-8 Freighter," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. 

Source: Boeing