Ethiopian Airlines Orders 10 Freighters, First 2 To Arrive In 2027–28

Ethiopian Airlines has ordered 10 Boeing 777 freighters, with the first two aircraft scheduled to join its fleet in 2027 and 2028 as the carrier expands its cargo operations.

The agreement includes two current-generation Boeing 777 Freighters and eight next-generation 777-8 Freighters, which are scheduled for delivery between 2033 and 2035.

The airline also plans to acquire four additional Boeing 777 freighters converted from passenger aircraft, Group chief executive Mesfin Tasew said, adding further capacity to its long-term cargo expansion programme.

Cargo operations currently generate about 23 percent of Ethiopian Airlines’ total revenue, making the business a significant component of the carrier’s operations.

"As part of our Vision 2040 strategy, we are set to expand our cargo operation by adding more cargo airplanes," Tasew said.

The firm order was signed by Mesfin and Brad McMullen, Boeing’s senior vice-president of commercial sales and marketing.

The deal adds to Ethiopian Airlines’ existing fleet commitments with Boeing. Of the carrier’s 102 firm aircraft orders, 84 are Boeing aircraft due to be delivered over the next seven years, according to Mesfin.

Nearly 80 percent of Ethiopian Airlines’ jet aircraft were manufactured by Boeing, he said.

The relationship between the two companies also extends to aviation industry development. Ethiopian Airlines manufactures aircraft parts supplied to Boeing for the production of new aircraft, while the companies collaborate on training, leadership development and other aerospace-related activities.

McMullen said the latest agreement marked another milestone in the companies’ nearly 80-year relationship. Ethiopian Airlines will be the first African carrier to order Boeing’s 777-8 Freighter, he said.

The 777-8 Freighter is part of Boeing’s 777X family and incorporates technologies including a carbon-fibre composite wing. It retains features of the existing 777 Freighter designed to support high utilisation and operating efficiency.

The current-generation 777 Freighter is the world’s longest-range twin-engine freighter, according to Boeing. The aircraft is designed to reduce fuel and operating costs while supporting high daily utilisation.

McMullen said the combination of existing 777 Freighters and the next-generation 777-8 Freighters would support Ethiopian Airlines’ expansion of its cargo network in Africa and other markets.

The Boeing executive also pointed to cooperation with Ethiopian Airlines in developing Ethiopia’s aviation ecosystem, including aviation supply chains, education and training, STEM capabilities and leadership development.

The latest order forms part of Ethiopian Airlines’ wider fleet expansion as the carrier seeks to increase capacity in both passenger and cargo operations under its Vision 2040 strategy.

Source: FSX Business News