Ethiopian Airlines placed an order for ten Boeing cargo aircraft on Sept. 30, 2026. The deal includes eight new 777-8 Freighters and two standard 777 Freighters. Company executives announced the agreement in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
What it means
The acquisition expands Ethiopian Airlines’ cargo fleet with twin-engine aircraft designed for heavy payloads. The 777-8 Freighter carries a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes, according to Boeing specifications. This purchase marks the carrier’s second order for the 777X airplane family; the airline previously bought eight 777-9 passenger jets, becoming Africa’s first customer for that model.
Ethiopian Airlines operates a cargo network connecting more than 70 markets across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, said the agreement supports the expansion of their global network. Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, noted that the order reflects growing worldwide demand for air cargo.
Key facts
- Eight 777-8 Freighters ordered
- Two 777 Freighters ordered
- Announced Sept. 30, 2026, in Addis Ababa
- 118 tonnes maximum structural payload for 777-8F
- Ethiopian Airlines connects more than 70 cargo markets
- Boeing serves customers in more than 150 countries
Source: Boeing news release