Ethiopian Airlines placed a firm order with Boeing for ten cargo aircraft: eight 777-8 Freighters (777-8F) and two 777 Freighters (777F). Both companies announced the deal on September 30, without disclosing the value of the transaction or the delivery schedule.
It is the airline’s second order for the 777X family. Ethiopian had already ordered eight passenger 777-9s, which made it the first African customer for that program. With the new freighters, its 777X backlog rises to 16 aircraft. Boeing also noted that Ethiopian is the first airline on the continent to order the 777-8F.
The 777-8F has a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes. The manufacturer markets it as the largest and highest-capacity twin-engine freighter in the world. According to Boeing, the aircraft will offer the best combination of payload and range in its segment, with lower fuel consumption and the lowest operating cost per tonne among freighters.
- What order did Ethiopian Airlines place with Boeing?
A firm order for ten cargo aircraft: eight Boeing 777-8Fs and two Boeing 777Fs, announced on September 30.
- What makes this order special for Ethiopian Airlines?
It is the first airline in Africa to order the 777-8F, and it was already the first African customer for the 777X program.
- How many 777X family aircraft does Ethiopian Airlines add with this order?
Its 777X backlog rises to 16 aircraft, including eight passenger 777-9s.
- What are the main features of the 777-8F?
It has a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes, is marketed as the largest and highest-capacity twin-engine freighter in the world, and will offer the best combination of payload and range, lower fuel consumption and the lowest operating cost per tonne.
- What cargo fleet does Ethiopian Airlines currently operate?
It operates twelve Boeing 777Fs, two 767Fs and four 737-800SFs, and connects more than 70 markets.
The U.S. manufacturer notes that the new model will retain key features of the 777F, such as common cross-sections and aisles, along with the ability to carry outsized cargo. Boeing also highlighted that Ethiopian’s 777F fleet ranks among the most heavily utilized commercial aircraft in service.
“This agreement marks another significant milestone in strengthening Ethiopian Airlines‘ cargo capabilities, while supporting the continued expansion of our global network,” said Mesfin Tasew, group chief executive officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group.
“The addition of the Boeing 777-8F and 777F 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 one of the main cargo gateways between Africa and international markets,” the executive added.
For his part, Brad McMullen, Boeing’s senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, said that “Ethiopian Airlines’ order for the industry-leading 777 Freighter and the new 777-8 Freighter underscores both the strength of our partnership and the growing global demand for air cargo.”
“We appreciate Ethiopian Airlines’ continued confidence in Boeing and in the 777 and 777X families 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,” he added.
Ethiopian Airlines’ cargo unit currently connects more than 70 markets across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America. To do so, it operates a fleet of twelve Boeing 777Fs, two 767Fs and four 737-800SFs.
