Aviation News – Ethiopian Airlines is set to sign a deal with Boeing for 10 long-haul freighter aircraft, strengthening the carrier’s cargo operations and expanding its future fleet.
The agreement is scheduled to be signed on Wednesday, with a banner at the signing ceremony venue confirming the planned transaction. Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline group, has been expanding its cargo network as international freight demand continues to support its long-term growth strategy.
Earlier this month, two industry sources told Reuters that the Ethiopian state-owned airline was nearing an agreement with Boeing for up to 10 long-haul freighters. The deal is expected to combine aircraft already available from Boeing with the manufacturer’s next-generation freighter program.
The order is likely to include two Boeing 777F aircraft, according to the sources. The current-generation 777F would allow Ethiopian Airlines to add additional cargo capacity relatively quickly, while the remaining aircraft are expected to be 777-8F freighters, Boeing’s new-generation cargo aircraft whose development and delivery schedule has been delayed.
The Boeing 777F offers long-range cargo capability and a large payload, making it suitable for Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive international network. The planned combination of 777F and 777-8F aircraft would provide the airline with additional capacity while creating a transition toward Boeing’s next-generation freighter technology.
The agreement underlines the importance of cargo operations to Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing’s strategy for the global freighter market. For Ethiopian Airlines, expanding its dedicated freighter fleet could support further growth across Africa, Europe, Asia and other major international cargo markets.
