Ethiopian, Boeing Sign for Purchase of New 777-8 Freighters

March 05 /2022 (ENA) Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing [NYSE:BA] have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the intent to purchase five 777-8 Freighters, the industry’s newest, most capable, and most fuel-efficient twin-engine freighter.

The Memorandum of Understanding to order the 777-8 Freighter will enable Ethiopian Airlines to meet expanding global cargo demand from its hub in Addis Ababa and position the carrier for long-term sustainable growth, it was indicated.

“The new 777-8 Freighters will be instrumental in this long journey of growth agenda. Today, our air cargo services cover more than 120 international destinations around the world with both belly hold capacity and dedicated Freighter services,” Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Tewolde Gebremariam said.

Consistent with our history of aviation technology leadership in Africa, we are pleased to sign this MoU with our longstanding partner Boeing, which will make us join select group of launch customer airlines for the fleet, he added.

He noted “in our vision 2035, we are planning to expand our Cargo and Logistics business to be one of the largest global multimodal logistics providers in all continents, to this effect, we are increasing our dedicated Freighter fleet with the latest technology, fuel-efficient and environment-friendly airplanes of the 21^st century.”

Ethiopian has also started the construction of the largest E-commerce Hub Terminal in Africa, the CEO added.

Senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Ihssane Mounir said “Ethiopian Airlines has been at the forefront of Africa’s cargo market for decades, growing its fleet of Boeing freighters and connecting the continent to the flow of global commerce.” 

The intent to purchase the new 777-8 Freighter further underscores the value of our latest airplane and ensures Ethiopian will remain a key player in global cargo, providing it with increased capacity, flexibility and efficiency for the future, he stated.

Boeing launched the new 777-8 Freighter in January and has already booked 34 firm orders for the model, which features the advanced technology from the new 777X family and proven performance of the market-leading 777 Freighter.

With payload capacity nearly identical to the 747-400 Freighter and a 30 percent improvement in fuel efficiency, emissions and operating costs, the 777-8 Freighter will enable a more sustainable and profitable business for operators.

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates nine 777 Freighters, connecting Africa with more than 40 cargo centers throughout Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Americas.

The carrier’s fleet also includes three 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters and a combined commercial fleet of more than 80 Boeing jets including 737s, 767s, 787s and 777s.