Ethiopian Airlines has placed a firm order for eight Boeing 777-8 Freighters and two 777 Freighters to expand its cargo fleet and international network. The agreement makes it the first African airline to purchase the 777-8F.
The purchase doubles Ethiopian’s firm 777X family order book to 16 aircraft, alongside its existing order for eight 777-9 passenger jets. Delivery dates and the contract value were not disclosed.
Group chief executive Mesfin Tasew said the additional freighters would increase payload capacity and operational flexibility as the airline responds to growing demand for cargo services. According to Boeing, the 777-8F will offer a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes.
Ethiopian currently serves more than 70 cargo destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America. Its dedicated freighter fleet comprises 12 Boeing 777Fs, two 767 freighters and four converted 737-800SFs.