Ethiopian Airlines to Sign Order for 10 Boeing Freighters

Ethiopian Airlines is scheduled to sign a deal with Boeing for 10 freighter aircraft on Wednesday, according to a Reuters report citing a banner displayed at the signing ceremony venue in Addis Ababa.

Deal Composition

While official details remain pending, the agreement follows earlier reports from industry sources. This month, two sources told Reuters that the state-owned airline was nearing a deal for up to 10 long-haul Boeing freighters.

The order is expected to be a mix of current and next-generation aircraft. The sources indicated the deal would likely include:

• Two current-generation 777F aircraft
• Eight of the newer, delayed 777-8F freighter models

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This structure would help Boeing bridge a production gap between the two models while allowing Ethiopian to secure future cargo capacity.

Strategic Importance

For Ethiopian Airlines, the order marks a major expansion of its cargo division, solidifying its position as a leading air freight carrier in Africa. The investment aligns with the airline's broader growth strategy, which includes helping to fund a $12.5-billion plan for what is slated to become Africa's largest airport. The first phase of the new airport is scheduled to open in 2030.

For Boeing, the deal provides a crucial order for its freighter program. Securing commitments for the 777-8F is vital for the model's future, while the inclusion of the current 777F helps sustain the production line ahead of the transition to the new aircraft.