Ethiopian Airlines orders 10 Boeing freighters to expand cargo fleet

Africa, Business

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — Ethiopian Airlines has ordered 10 Boeing freighter aircraft, comprising eight 777-8 Freighters and two 777 Freighters, as the airline expands its cargo operations and international network.

Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines announced the order on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, saying the aircraft would combine the established capabilities of the 777 Freighter with the next-generation technology of the 777-8 Freighter.

The order makes Ethiopian Airlines the first African carrier to purchase the 777-8 Freighter and doubles its existing order book for Boeing’s 777X family.

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The airline previously ordered eight 777-9 passenger aircraft, making it Africa’s first 777X customer.

According to Boeing, the 777-8 Freighter is designed to carry a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes, offering extended range and payload capabilities for international cargo operations.

The company said the aircraft would also provide lower fuel consumption and operating costs per tonne compared with other freighters in its class.

Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, said the new aircraft would strengthen the carrier’s ability to serve cargo customers globally while providing greater payload capacity, operational flexibility and efficiency.

“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,” Tasew said.

He said the aircraft would support global trade and supply chain connectivity while strengthening Ethiopia’s position as a cargo gateway between Africa and international markets.

Brad McMullen, Boeing’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, said the order reflected the airline’s continued confidence in Boeing’s 777 and 777X families as it expands its cargo network.

Ethiopian Airlines currently serves more than 70 cargo markets across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America.

Its existing freighter fleet comprises 12 Boeing 777 Freighters, two Boeing 767 Freighters and four Boeing 737-800SF aircraft.

Boeing said the 777-8 Freighter would complement the airline’s existing fleet while retaining features of the 777 Freighter that support operational efficiency, high utilisation and the transportation of large, outsize cargo.

The new order is expected to give Ethiopian Airlines additional capacity and flexibility as demand for international air cargo continues to grow.