- Ethiopian Airlines finalises order for ten Boeing 777 freighters
- Two 777-200Fs and eight 777-8Fs included
- Order bridges Boeing production before 777-8F entry
- US regulatory approval required for continued 777F deliveries
- Current freighter fleet includes twelve 777-200Fs
Ethiopian Airlines is reportedly finalising an order for up to ten Boeing 777 widebody freighters, comprising two current-generation Boeing 777-200Fs and eight next-generation Boeing 777-8Fs. The order includes the two -200Fs to help Boeing bridge production before the delayed 777-8F enters service. Boeing declined to comment, while Ethiopian Airlines has not responded, with the order also depending partly on US regulatory approval for Boeing to continue delivering 777Fs beyond the 2027 production deadline.
Ethiopian Airlines’ current widebody freighter fleet includes twelve Boeing 777-200Fs, two Boeing 767-300Fs, one Boeing 767-300ER(BDSF), and four Boeing 737 narrowbody freighters. In March 2026, the airline announced a lease agreement with AerCap for a pair of Boeing 777-300(ERSF) converted widebody freighters to be delivered in the second quarter of 2028. The airline operates from its hub at Addis Ababa International Airport, serving cargo destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas.
The order represents Ethiopian Airlines’ continued investment in its cargo operations, which form a significant portion of the airline’s revenue. The next-generation 777-8F offers improved fuel efficiency and payload capacity compared to current freighter models. US regulatory approval for Boeing to continue delivering 777Fs beyond the 2027 production deadline remains a critical factor in the order’s finalisation. Ethiopian Airlines has established itself as Africa’s largest cargo operator, with a modern fleet serving international markets.
