Ethiopian Airlines will expand their all-Boeing freighter fleet with the addition of Five Boeing 777 Freighters. The carrier currently operates a fleet of nine 777 Freighters and three 737-800BCFs. The order is currently unidentified on Boeing’s orders and deliveries website.
On Wednesday (May 25, 2022), Boeing announced that Ethiopian Airlines will expand their all-Boeing freighter fleet with the order of five Boeing 777 Freighters. Currently, the order is listed as ‘unidentified’ on Boeing’s orders and deliveries website. The market-leading 777 Freighter is the world’s largest, longest-range twin engine freighter, offering a 17 percent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions versus previous models. Ethiopian Airlines operates a fleet of nine 777 Freighters, and uses the airplane’s range of 4,970 nautical miles (9.200 km) and 107 tonne (235,900 lb.) maximum structural payload to connect Africa with 66 dedicated cargo centers in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas.
In Wednesday’s announcment, Ethiopian Airlines Group’s CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, said,
“The addition of these five 777 Freighters into our cargo fleet will enable us to meet the growing demand in our cargo operation. While cementing our partnership with Boeing with new orders, the growth of our freighter fleet takes the capacity and efficiency of our shipment service to the next level. We always strive to serve our customers with the latest technology aircraft the aviation industry could offer. Our cargo terminal is Africa's largest, coupled with fuel-efficient freighters and well-trained cargo handling professionals will enable our customers get the best quality shipment service. Customers can rely on Ethiopian for wide-ranging cargo services across five continents.”
Also commenting on the new 777 Freighter order, Boeing’s Senior Vice President – Commercial Sales and Marketing, Ihssane Mounir, said,
“Ethiopian Airlines’ all-Boeing freighter fleet provides them with unrivalled capability and flexibility as Africa's largest cargo operator. These additional 777 Freighters will enable Ethiopian to capitalize on near-term cargo demand, while positioning the airline for further expansion in the future.’
In early March 2022, Ethiopian Airlines also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for their intent to purchase five new Boeing 777-8 Freighters, the industry’s newest and most efficient twin-engine freighter. The carrier also operates three Boeing 737-800 converted freighters, as well as a combined Boeing fleet of over 80 jets including 737s, 767s, 777s and 787s.
With over 75 years of operations, Ethiopian Airlines is the fastest growing airline in Africa. The carrier commands the largest share of Pan-African passenger and cargo service and operates one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the world. Ethiopian serves over 130 destinations across five continents with a fleet of ultra-modern fuel efficient aircraft including Airbus A350s, Boeing 787-8/9 Dreamliners, Boeing 777-300ERs, Boeing 777-200LRs, Boeing 777-200 Freighters and De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400s. The airline’s fleet has an average age of seven years and Ethiopian was the first African carrier to operate all of the previously mentioned aircraft types.
Boeing (NYSE: BA) is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading supplier of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, as well as global services. The aerospace giant tops the list of the largest U.S. exporters, providing a significant positive impact to America’s annual GDP. Boeing supports government and commercial customers in over 150 countries and employs more than 160,000 team members worldwide. As Boeing continues to deliver for customers, they are committed to their legacy of aerospace leadership in technology and innovation and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.
Source: Boeing/PRNewswire, Ethiopian Airlines