Ethiopian Airlines will use new freighters to replace existing freighter fleet with more efficient and capable airplanes to meet increased cargo demand throughout Africa
Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines have announced an order for four Boeing 777 Freighters, making Ethiopian Airlines the first African carrier to order the twin-engine freighter. The order is valued at approximately $1.1bn at list prices and was previously attributed to an unidentified customer on Boeing's website.
"As the largest African cargo carrier operating in some of the fastest growing trade lanes of the world - between Africa and Europe, Middle East and Asia - the new 777 Freighter fleet will significantly enhance our tonnage and range capabilities," said Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. "The proven operational and economical efficiency of these airplanes will reposition Ethiopian Cargo in a stronger place to continue winning in this hypercompetitive market."
Technical specs
The 777 Freighter, the world's longest-range twin-engine freighter, is based on the technologically advanced 777-200LR (Longer Range) passenger airplane and can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a full payload of 225,200 pounds (102 metric tons). With high-cargo density and 10-foot (3.1-meter) interior height capability, the 777 Freighter provides a cargo capacity normally associated with larger airplanes and features the lowest trip cost of any large freighter.
Ethiopian Airlines was the first to operate the 777-200LR (now with five in their fleet) and the first to order the Boeing 787 Dreamliner with an order for 10. Ethiopian Airlines currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of 737, 757, 767 and 777 airplanes in passenger service and a 757, MD11 and 747 in cargo operations.
