Ethiopian Airlines Orders 10 Boeing Freighters Including Eight 777-8Fs

Ethiopian Airlines has placed a firm order for eight Boeing 777-8 Freighters and two 777 Freighters, expanding its dedicated cargo fleet as it adds capacity across its global freight network.

The agreement makes Ethiopian the first African airline to order the 777-8F and doubles its firm commitments for the 777X family. The carrier previously ordered eight 777-9 passenger aircraft, bringing its total firm 777X orderbook to 16 aircraft.

The 777-8F will introduce a new-generation freighter alongside Ethiopian’s existing 777F fleet. Boeing lists the aircraft with a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes, providing additional payload and range capability for long-haul cargo operations.

Ethiopian currently operates 18 dedicated freighters, comprising 12 777Fs, two 767 freighters and four 737-800SFs. The fleet serves more than 70 cargo markets across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America.

The two additional 777Fs will expand an aircraft type already extensively used by Ethiopian Cargo, while the eight 777-8Fs will provide longer-term capacity as the airline develops Addis Ababa as a cargo hub connecting African markets with major international trade routes.

The latest agreement adds 10 widebody freighters to Ethiopian’s Boeing orderbook as the carrier continues expanding both its passenger and cargo fleets.