October 1, 2026 — Ethiopian Airlines (ET) has ordered 10 Boeing freighters — eight new-generation 777-8Fs and two current 777Fs — making it the first African airline to order the 777-8 Freighter.
The order
| Aircraft | Quantity | Max structural payload |
|---|---|---|
| Boeing 777-8F | 8 | 118 tonnes |
| Boeing 777F | 2 | 107 tonnes |
- Announced: September 30, 2026.
- Deliveries: TBA. The 777-8F is still in development.
- Current freighter fleet: 12 777Fs, two 767Fs and four 737-800SFs.
Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said the jets will strengthen Ethiopia’s role as a cargo gateway and support global supply chains.
What it means for non-revs
There’s no direct effect on passenger loads or staff travel, since these are freighters. The order matters to cargo staff and enthusiasts: it signals continued cargo growth at Ethiopian and gives Boeing a new customer for its next-generation freighter.
Sources
- Air Cargo News — Ethiopian Airlines orders Boeing 777-8 and 777 freighters
- GuruFocus — Ethiopian Airlines to Acquire 10 Boeing Freighters, Boosting Cargo Capacity
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