LONDON, Sept 30 – Ethiopian Airlines has signed an agreement to acquire 10 Boeing freighter aircraft, strengthening the state-owned carrier’s cargo operations as it expands its fleet and international logistics network.
The deal, announced at a signing ceremony in Addis Ababa, covers eight Boeing 777-8F freighters and two 777F aircraft, Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew said on Wednesday.
Mesfin said the aircraft have a combined catalogue value of approximately $5 billion, although the actual purchase price agreed between the airline and Boeing was not disclosed.
The agreement also gives Ethiopian Airlines an option to purchase eight additional 777-8F aircraft, potentially taking the total number of new Boeing freighters under the arrangement to 18.
Expanding Cargo Capacity
Ethiopian Airlines already operates one of Africa’s largest dedicated cargo fleets, with 12 Boeing 777F freighters, alongside three Boeing 767 freighters and four converted Boeing 737 aircraft used on medium-haul routes.
The new aircraft will expand the airline’s long-haul cargo capacity as it continues to develop Addis Ababa as a major aviation and logistics hub connecting Africa with international markets.
The 777-8F is Boeing’s next-generation large freighter and is designed to provide long-range cargo capacity with improved fuel efficiency compared with previous-generation aircraft.
Ethiopian Airlines operates a fleet of more than 140 aircraft, covering passenger and cargo operations across its extensive international network.
Supporting Ethiopia’s Aviation Infrastructure
The aircraft order comes as Ethiopian Airlines participates in financing the development of a planned $12.5 billion airport project outside Addis Ababa.
The project is expected to become Africa’s largest airport, with the first phase scheduled to open in 2030. The new aviation infrastructure is intended to accommodate the airline’s continued expansion and strengthen Ethiopia’s position as a regional and international air transport hub.
The combination of additional freighter capacity and expanded airport infrastructure points to Ethiopian Airlines’ continued investment in cargo as a core component of its long-term growth strategy.
