Addis Ababa, October 1 – Ethiopian Airlines has committed to eight Boeing 777-8F next-generation freighters plus two Boeing 777F cargo jets in a high-profile agreement signed on September 20, 2026. Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew and Boeing Senior Vice President of Global Sales Brad McMullen finalized the contract at a ceremony attended by US Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga, underscoring strong commercial aviation ties and the airline’s growing role in global air cargo. The Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 777-8F order includes an option for eight more 777-8Fs, positioning the carrier for long-term freight growth.
The two Boeing 777F freighters are slated for delivery between 2027 and 2028, while the eight 777-8Fs are expected from 2033 to 2035 after the new type enters service around 2029. This Ethiopian Airlines cargo fleet expansion builds on an existing inventory of twelve 777-200Fs, two 767-300Fs and four 737-800SFs. The deal follows earlier reports of negotiations for ten 777 freighters and arrives as Boeing secured an FAA exemption allowing additional 777F deliveries after 2027 to bridge supply until the 777-8F arrives.
Boeing received permission to certificate up to thirty-five newly built 777F airplanes through January 1, 2031, after petitioning for relief from fuel-efficiency rules that would otherwise halt production. The exemption helps maintain an uninterrupted flow of large freighters to operators such as Ethiopian Airlines while the more efficient 777-8F is prepared for market entry. Ethiopian Airlines thereby secures both near-term and next-generation capacity for its expanding cargo network.
The combined order of eight Boeing 777-8Fs and two 777 freighters strengthens Ethiopian Airlines’ position among leading African cargo carriers and supports rising demand for long-haul air freight. By locking in both current-generation 777F aircraft and future 777-8F models, the airline can modernize its fleet, improve payload and range performance, and meet projected growth in international cargo markets through the next decade.