Ethiopian Airlines orders ten more Boeing 777 freighters

Ethiopian Airlines has placed an order for ten more Boeing 777 freighters, made up of two 777Fs and eight of the 777-8F that Boeing is still developing. The US manufacturer disclosed the deal on 30 September.

The order follows a 2024 commitment from Ethiopian for eight 777-9 passenger jets. According to Boeing, Ethiopian was the first African customer to order the 777-9 and is now the first on the continent to order the 777-8F. With the new freighters included, the airline holds outstanding orders with Boeing for 18 777s.

Neither aircraft type has been certificated. Boeing aims to have the 777-9 cleared by the Federal Aviation Administration this year, with deliveries starting next year, and plans to certify the 777-8F within several years of the 777-9.

Ethiopian group chief executive Mesfin Tasew said the agreement strengthens the airline's cargo capabilities and supports expansion of its global network, adding that the aircraft would support trade and supply chain connectivity and Ethiopia's position as a cargo gateway between Africa and international markets.

Fleet data from Cirium shows Ethiopian already operates 27 737 Max 8s, 12 777Fs, nine 777 passenger jets and 29 787s. Its outstanding orders, per the same data, cover 18 777s, 26 787-9s, 42 737 Max 8s and 17 Airbus A350-900s.