Ethiopian Airlines is set to sign an agreement with Boeing for 10 freighter aircraft, expanding the carrier’s cargo capacity as it strengthens its position as a major aviation hub in Africa.
The agreement, scheduled for signing on Wednesday, is expected to include Boeing’s 777F freighters and the newer 777-8F model. Industry sources had previously indicated that the order could include two current-generation 777F aircraft, helping Boeing maintain production while development of the 777-8F faces delays.
The expansion comes as Ethiopian Airlines increases its investment in cargo operations. The airline already operates 12 Boeing 777F freighters alongside other cargo aircraft and handled about 897,000 metric tonnes of cargo in its most recent financial year, representing a 16% increase.
Ethiopian Airlines is also helping finance a $12.5 billion project to develop Bishoftu International Airport, southeast of Addis Ababa. The facility is planned to become Africa’s largest airport, with the first phase expected to open in 2030 and projected cargo capacity of 3.7 million metric tonnes annually.
The aircraft order is expected to support the airline’s long-term cargo expansion and strengthen Ethiopia’s ambition to develop a major aviation and logistics hub connecting Africa with international markets.
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