Ethiopian Airlines has signed an agreement with Boeing to purchase 10 cargo aircraft as Africa’s largest airline expands its freight operations and strengthens its position as a major cargo gateway between Africa and global markets.
The agreement, signed in Addis Ababa on Wednesday, includes eight Boeing 777 8 Freighters and two Boeing 777 Freighters, according to Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing. The airline also has an option to purchase an additional eight 777 8 Freighters.
Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew said the catalogue value of the 10 aircraft was about $5 billion, although the actual purchase price was not disclosed because aircraft manufacturers and airlines typically negotiate confidential discounts.
The two current generation 777 Freighters are scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028, while deliveries of the eight 777 8 Freighters are expected between 2033 and 2035.
The new order will expand Ethiopian Airlines’ existing cargo fleet, which currently comprises 12 Boeing 777 Freighters, two Boeing 767 Freighters and four converted Boeing 737 800 cargo aircraft. The airline operates a total fleet of more than 140 aircraft.
The 777 8 Freighter is Boeing’s next generation long haul cargo aircraft and is designed to carry up to 118 tonnes of structural payload. Boeing said the aircraft would provide Ethiopian Airlines with greater payload capacity, range and operational flexibility as global demand for air cargo continues to grow.
Tasew said the investment would strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ cargo capabilities and support the expansion of its international network. The airline currently connects more than 70 cargo destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America.
Cargo has become an increasingly important component of Ethiopian Airlines’ business. The airline has said its cargo operations account for about 23 percent of total revenue, making expansion of the freighter fleet a key element of its long term growth strategy.
Ethiopian Airlines is also involved in the development of a new airport project outside Addis Ababa. The airline is helping to finance the $12.5 billion project, which Ethiopian officials say is expected to become Africa’s largest airport, with the first phase scheduled to open in 2030.
The aircraft purchase forms part of Ethiopian Airlines’ broader fleet expansion strategy and its efforts to strengthen Addis Ababa as an aviation and logistics hub connecting African markets with international destinations.
For Africa’s trade and logistics sector, increased cargo capacity could support the movement of higher volumes of manufactured goods, agricultural products, pharmaceuticals and other time sensitive commodities between the continent and global markets.
The deal also reinforces the long standing relationship between Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing, while making Ethiopian the first African airline to purchase the Boeing 777- 8 Freighter.
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