Ethiopian Airlines orders ten Boeing freighters to expand cargo fleet

Ethiopian Airlines has ordered eight Boeing 777-8 Freighters and two 777 Freighters. The two companies announced the contract, which the airline says will expand its Boeing freighter fleet.

The carrier plans to pair the 777 Freighter with the newer 777-8 Freighter. Boeing says the 777-8F has a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes and is intended to offer the highest payload and range capability among freighters while using less fuel and lowering operating cost per tonne.

It is the airline's second order for the 777X line, after a previous purchase of eight 777-9 passenger jets that made the carrier Africa's first 777X customer.

Ethiopian Airlines said the additional freighters will support the growth of its global network and its ability to serve cargo customers with more payload capacity and operational flexibility. The aircraft will also help it handle rising demand for cargo services and reinforce Ethiopia's role as a cargo gateway between Africa and international markets, the airline said.