Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines have announced a contract for the supply of has eight 777-8 Freighters and two 777 Freighters.
The airline will seek to pair the performance of the 777 Freighter with the next generation 777X capabilities of the new 777-8 Freighter in order to expand its Boeing freighter fleet.
Marking Ethiopian Airlines’ second order for the 777X airplane line, the purchase builds on a previous order of eight 777-9 passenger jets, an order which initially established the carrier as Africa’s first 777X customer.
Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, said: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.
Featuring a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes; Boeing’s 777-8F aims to offer the highest payload and range capability to open new markets while reducing fuel use and delivering the lowest operating cost per tonne of any freighter.
The aircraft will be used to complement Ethiopian Airlines’ existing freighter fleet whilst maintaining key features of the 777 Freighter that support efficient operations, high utilisation and reliability, including common cross-sections and walkways, and easy carriage of large outsize cargo.
