Ethiopian Airlines signs for eight 777-8Fs and two 777Fs

Ethiopian Airlines has signed an agreement with Boeing for eight 777-8F freighters and two more 777F aircraft. The signing took place in the presence of US Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga, according to an account of the deal.

Chief executive Mesfin Tasew and Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of global sales, concluded the contract on September 20, 2026. The carrier holds options for a further eight 777-8Fs.

Local media reported that the two 777Fs are expected to be delivered between 2027 and 2028, with the 777-8Fs following between 2033 and 2035. Boeing does not expect the 777-8F to begin flying commercially until roughly 2029.

According to ch-aviation data, Ethiopian's present freighter fleet comprises 12 777-200Fs, two 767-300Fs and four 737-800SFs.

Word that the airline was close to a deal for ten 777 freighters had circulated in early September 2026, after Reuters spoke with two industry sources.

Separately, the US Federal Aviation Administration granted Boeing relief from fuel-efficiency limits that take effect in 2028, allowing it to sell 35 more 777Fs. Boeing sought the waiver in December 2025, arguing the 777F would otherwise be barred from flying after December 31, 2027. In its petition the manufacturer said extra 777Fs were required from January 1, 2028 to keep large freighters flowing to the market until the 777-8F arrives, and asked for the exemption to cover 35 aircraft until that model's first delivery and entry into service. The exemption was issued on September 16, 2026.