Ethiopian Airlines has signed an aircraft purchase agreement with Boeing for 10 Boeing 777 freighter aircraft, marking a major expansion of the airline’s cargo fleet and strengthening its position in the global air freight market.
The agreement was signed by Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew and Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing Brad McMullen.
Under the agreement, Ethiopian Airlines will acquire eight Boeing 777-8 Freighters, Boeing’s next-generation cargo aircraft, with deliveries scheduled between 2033 and 2035. The deal also includes two current-generation Boeing 777 Freighters, which are expected to be delivered in 2027 and 2028.
In addition to the firm order, Ethiopian Airlines plans to acquire four additional Boeing 777 freighters converted from passenger aircraft to cargo configuration, further increasing the airline’s cargo capacity.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mesfin Tasew said the expansion of the cargo fleet forms part of Ethiopian Airlines’ Vision 2040 strategy to strengthen both passenger and freight operations.
“Cargo operations currently contribute about 23 percent of our total revenue, making it a significant part of our business,” Mesfin said, adding that increasing cargo aircraft capacity is essential to support the airline’s continued growth.
He highlighted the longstanding partnership between Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing, noting that nearly 80 percent of the airline’s jet fleet has been manufactured by Boeing. He added that out of 102 firm aircraft orders currently placed by Ethiopian Airlines, 84 are Boeing aircraft scheduled for delivery over the coming seven years.
According to Mesfin, cooperation between the two companies extends beyond aircraft procurement and includes industrial development, aviation training, leadership development, and aerospace manufacturing. Ethiopian Airlines currently manufactures aircraft components supplied to Boeing for new aircraft production.
“Our cooperation between the two companies is wide, and it is based on value, trust, and collaboration,” he said.
Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing Brad McMullen said the agreement represents another milestone in the nearly eight-decade partnership between Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines.
McMullen noted that Ethiopian Airlines has become the first African carrier to order Boeing’s 777-8 Freighter, describing the agreement as a continuation of the airline’s expansion of its fleet and international network.
He said the order combines the proven capabilities of the Boeing 777 Freighter with the advanced technology of the 777-8 Freighter, which Boeing describes as the largest and most efficient twin-engine freighter in its category.
According to McMullen, the Boeing 777 Freighter provides long-range capability, reduced fuel consumption, and lower operating costs while supporting high aircraft utilization. He also noted that Ethiopian Airlines’ 777 Freighter fleet was among the most highly utilized aircraft in the global commercial aviation sector last year, reflecting the strength of the airline’s cargo operations.
The 777-8 Freighter incorporates advanced technologies from Boeing’s 777X family, including a new carbon-fiber composite wing, while maintaining key features of the existing 777 Freighter that support reliability and operational efficiency.
McMullen further emphasized that Boeing’s partnership with Ethiopian Airlines extends beyond aircraft sales, including cooperation in aviation supply chains, industrial development, education and training through a Center of Excellence, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives, and the development of future aviation professionals.
The agreement comes as Ethiopian Airlines continues to expand its passenger and cargo networks, with cargo operations remaining a central component of its strategy to strengthen Ethiopia’s role as a major aviation hub connecting Africa with global markets.
Source (including image): Ethiopian News Agency
