– Airline becomes the first African carrier to order Boeing’s 777 Freighter

– Airline will use new freighters to replace existing freighter fleet with more efficient and capable airplanes to meet increased cargo demand throughout Africa

EVERETT, Wash., Oct. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Ethiopian Airlines today announced an order for four Boeing 777 Freighters, making Ethiopian Airlines the first African carrier to order the twin-engine freighter. The order is valued at approximately $1.1 billion at list prices and was previously attributed to an unidentified customer on Boeing’s website.

“As the largest African cargo carrier operating in some of the fastest growing trade lanes of the world – between Africa and Europe, Middle East and Asia – the new 777 Freighter fleet will significantly enhance our tonnage and range capabilities,” said Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “The proven operational and economical efficiency of these airplanes will reposition Ethiopian Cargo in a stronger place to continue winning in this hypercompetitive market.”

“Over the past few years we’ve seen Ethiopian Airlines become a leader in African aviation and they are well on their way to becoming a global aviation leader,” said Marlin Dailey, president of Boeing Germany, EU, Northern Europe, and Africa. “Ethiopian Airlines continues to set the standard in aviation throughout the continent – from being the first African airline to order Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, the first to fly the 777-200LR and now the first to purchase the 777 Freighter.”

The 777 Freighter, the world’s longest-range twin-engine freighter, is based on the technologically advanced 777-200LR (Longer Range) passenger airplane and can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a full payload of 225,200 pounds (102 metric tons). With high-cargo density and 10-foot (3.1-meter) interior height capability, the 777 Freighter provides a cargo capacity normally associated with larger airplanes and features the lowest trip cost of any large freighter.

“Ethiopian Airlines has used Boeing’s best products to enhance its fleet for more than 65 years,” said Van Rex Gallard, vice president of Sales for Africa, Latin America, & the Caribbean, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “This order signifies that growing relationship and we thank Ethiopian Airlines for choosing the 777 Freighter to enhance and grow its cargo capabilities.”

Boeing press release