Ethiopian Airlines agrees to buy 10 Boeing cargo aircraft

Ethiopian Airlines has signed an agreement to purchase 10 Boeing cargo aircraft as the carrier expands its freight operations and international network.

The agreement covers eight Boeing 777-8F aircraft and two Boeing 777F freighters, according to Ethiopian Airlines Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew, as reported by Reuters.

Reuters put the catalogue value of the 10 aircraft at $5 billion. The actual price Ethiopian Airlines will pay under the agreement was not disclosed.

Option for additional aircraft

Tasew said the state-owned airline had also signed an option to acquire eight additional aircraft. The terms and duration of that option were not provided.

“This agreement marks another significant milestone in strengthening Ethiopian Airlines’ cargo capabilities while supporting the continued expansion of our global network,” Tasew said in a statement.

He added that the aircraft would further reinforce Ethiopia’s position as a cargo gateway between Africa and international markets.

Existing cargo fleet

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates 12 Boeing 777F cargo planes and three Boeing 767 freighters, among other aircraft. Its total fleet includes more than 140 planes.

The airline has increasingly sought to expand its cargo services. The agreement is intended to strengthen its freight capacity while supporting the continued growth of its global network.