Addis Ababa – Ethiopian Airlines has signed an agreement to acquire 10 Boeing freighters as Africa’s largest airline expands its cargo operations and positions itself to handle rising demand for air freight.
According to Business Insider Africa, the deal covers eight next-generation Boeing 777-8 Freighters and two current-generation 777 Freighters, with the airline also securing an option to purchase eight additional 777-8Fs. The catalogue value of the 10 aircraft is about $5 billion, although the actual purchase price was not disclosed.
Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew said the new aircraft would strengthen the carrier’s ability to respond to growing freight demand.
“This agreement marks another significant milestone in strengthening Ethiopian Airlines’ cargo capabilities while supporting the continued expansion of our global network.”
He added that the aircraft would provide greater payload capacity, operational flexibility, efficiency and sustainability while strengthening Ethiopia’s role as a cargo gateway between Africa and international markets, Corporate reported.
Ethiopian Airlines’ cargo business
The order makes Ethiopian Airlines the first African carrier to purchase Boeing’s 777-8 Freighter, according to Boeing. The manufacturer said the aircraft can carry a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes and is designed to combine long-range capability with improved operating efficiency.
The move comes as Ethiopian Airlines’ cargo business continues to grow. The airline handled 897,000 tonnes of cargo in its 2025/26 financial year, up 16%, while total revenue increased 20% to $9.1 billion, according to Reuters and Ethiopian state media.
Reuters reported that the airline already operates 12 Boeing 777 freighters, alongside other cargo aircraft. It is also involved in the development of a planned $12.5 billion airport near Addis Ababa, with the first phase expected to open in 2030 and designed to significantly expand Ethiopia’s cargo-handling capacity.
Boeing senior vice-president Brad McMullen said the deal reflected both the long-standing relationship between the two companies and increasing demand for air cargo.
“Ethiopian Airlines’ order for the industry-leading 777 Freighter and new 777-8 Freighter highlights both the strength of our partnership and growing demand for air cargo worldwide.”
The order therefore gives Ethiopian Airlines additional capacity for its expanding global cargo network while providing Boeing with a major African customer for its newest generation of freighters.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
