Ethiopian Airlines orders five 777-8 Freighters

Ethiopian Airlines has added another five 777 freighters to its existing nine strong fleet with an MoU signed with Boeing. The deal for the five 777-8 variants will enable Ethiopian to meet expanding global cargo demand from its hub in Addis Ababa and position the carrier for long-term sustainable growth, the OEM said.

A Boeing 777-8 F in Ethiopian colours

A look at the 777-8F in Boeing colours

"This makes us join select group of launch customer airlines for the fleet,” said CEO Ethiopian group chief executive Tewolde Gebremariam. “In our vision 2035, we are planning to expand our cargo and logistics business to be one of the largest global multimodal logistics provider in all continents. To this effect we are increasing our dedicated freighter fleet with the latest technology, fuel efficient and environment-friendly airplanes of the 21st century.”

Tewolde outlined developments for the airlines next-gen freight business. “We have started the construction of the largest e-commerce hub terminal in Africa," he said. "The new 777-8 Freighters will be instrumental in this long journey of growth agenda. Today, our air cargo services cover more than 120 international destinations around the world with both belly-hold capacity and dedicated freighter services." 

Boeing launched the new 777-8 Freighter in January and has already booked 34 firm orders for the model, which features the advanced technology from the new 777X family and proven performance of the 777 Freighter.

"Ethiopian Airlines has been at the forefront of Africa's cargo market for decades, growing its fleet of Boeing freighters and connecting the continent to the flow of global commerce," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing. "The intent to purchase the new 777-8 Freighter further underscores the value of our latest airplane and ensures Ethiopian will remain a key player in global cargo, providing it with increased capacity, flexibility and efficiency for the future."