Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing Inc have announced that the carrier will be expanding its all-Boeing freighter fleet with an order for five 777 Freighters.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said the addition of the five freighters into the carrier’s cargo fleet would enable the firm to meet the growing demand for its cargo operation services. It currently offers services across five continents.
Boeing’s 777 Freighter is the world’s largest, longest-range and most capable twin-engine freighter currently flying, with 17% lower fuel use and emissions compared to prior aircraft. Ethiopian Airlines currently operates a fleet of nine 777 Freighters, utilising the range of 4 970 nautical miles (9 200 kilometres) and maximum structural payload of 107 tonnes to connect Africa with 66 dedicated cargo centres throughout Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas.
Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services covers 127 international destinations around the world with both belly hold capacity and dedicated freighter services.
In early March the two companies announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the intent to purchase five 777-8 Freighters, the industry’s newest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine freighters, according to Boeing.
The airline also operates three 737-800 converted freighters, as well as a combined passenger fleet of more than 80 Boeing jets including 737s, 767s, 787s and 777s.
