Ethiopian Airlines has signed a deal to buy 10 Boeing cargo planes, becoming the first African carrier to order the next-generation 777-8 Freighter as it seeks to expand its position as a global logistics hub.
The agreement, signed in Addis Ababa on 30 September, covers eight Boeing 777-8Fs and two current-generation 777Fs. Chief Executive Mesfin Tasew said the airline also has the option to buy eight more 777-8Fs, potentially taking the total number of new freighters under the deal to 18.
The order is split between near-term and longer-term deliveries. The two 777Fs are scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028, providing an immediate boost to the airline’s widebody freighter capacity. The eight 777-8Fs are due between 2033 and 2035, once the new type enters full production.
Mesfin said the catalogue price of the 10 aircraft was about $5 billion, though the actual negotiated value remains confidential. The deal reinforces Ethiopian’s long-standing relationship with Boeing and signals confidence in the 777X freighter programme despite broader industry debates over next-generation large freighters.
Ethiopian Airlines has long positioned cargo as a core pillar of its growth strategy, leveraging Addis Ababa’s geographic position as a bridge between Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas. The carrier already operates one of the largest freighter fleets on the continent and has invested heavily in cargo terminals, cold-chain facilities and logistics services.
The new aircraft will support the airline’s expanding global network and advance its international freight operations, particularly in high-value segments such as pharmaceuticals, perishables and e-commerce. The 777-8F, with its improved fuel efficiency and range, is expected to play a key role on long-haul routes where payload and economics are critical.
By ordering the 777-8F, Ethiopian becomes the first African carrier to commit to Boeing’s newest widebody freighter. The aircraft is designed to offer lower operating costs and emissions per tonne compared with older large freighters, aligning with the airline’s stated goals of modernising its fleet and improving sustainability.
The order also helps Boeing strengthen its position in the large-freighter market, where it competes with Airbus’s A350F. For the US manufacturer, securing a flagship African customer for the 777-8F underscores the type’s appeal to carriers focused on long-haul cargo growth.
For Africa, the deal highlights the continent’s growing role in global air cargo networks. Ethiopian’s expansion plans reflect rising demand for fast, reliable air freight links between Africa and major markets, as well as the increasing importance of African hubs in global supply chains.
If executed as planned, the additional freighters will significantly boost Ethiopian’s cargo capacity and could intensify competition with other African and Middle Eastern cargo carriers. The success of the investment will depend on sustained demand, route development and the airline’s ability to integrate the new aircraft efficiently into its operations.
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