Ethiopian Airlines has placed a firm order with Boeing for eight 777-8 Freighters and two 777 Freighters, the two companies announced on Wednesday, making the carrier the first in Africa to buy the new 777-8 cargo jet.

The order is Ethiopian's second for the 777X family. It follows the airline's earlier purchase of eight 777-9 passenger jets, which made it Africa's first 777X customer. Boeing said the new order doubles Ethiopian's 777X order book.

Boeing described the 777-8 Freighter as the world's largest and most capable twin-engine freighter. According to the manufacturer, it has a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes and offers the lowest operating cost per tonne of any freighter. These performance claims come from Boeing and have not been independently verified.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew described the agreement as "another significant milestone in strengthening Ethiopian Airlines' cargo capabilities". He said the aircraft would give the airline greater payload capacity, operational flexibility, efficiency and sustainability, and would support global trade and supply chain connectivity as cargo demand grows. He also said the deal marks the airline's long-term partnership with Boeing.

Brad McMullen, Boeing's senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, said the order reflects the strength of the partnership and rising worldwide demand for air cargo. He noted that Ethiopian continues to make history as the first African carrier to order the 777-8 Freighter.

Boeing said the 777-8F retains key features of the existing 777 Freighter, including common cross-sections and walkways and the ability to carry large outsize cargo. It added that Ethiopian's current 777F fleet ranks among the most highly utilised commercial aircraft in service.

Ethiopian Airlines currently serves more than 70 cargo markets across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America. Its freighter fleet comprises 12 777 Freighters, two 767 Freighters and four 737-800SF aircraft.

The companies did not disclose the value of the order or delivery schedules in the announcement.

Source: PR