Ethiopian Airlines is reportedly nearing an agreement with Boeing for up to 10 new 777 freighter aircraft, in a move that would significantly strengthen the African carrier’s long-haul cargo operations and support its broader expansion strategy.
According to aviationa2z.com, the potential deal could include two current-generation Boeing 777Fs, with additional aircraft potentially coming from the delayed 777-8F program.
The prospective order would strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ cargo network through its main hub at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) while supporting Ethiopia’s wider ambition to develop a major airfreight gateway.
The airline transported about 897,000 metric tons of cargo during the 2025/26 fiscal year, representing a 16% increase from the previous year.
Ethiopian Expands Cargo Fleet With New Freighter Capacity
Ethiopian Airlines already operates a substantial Boeing freighter fleet, including 12 777Fs, alongside Boeing 767 and converted 737 freighters.
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Adding as many as 10 widebody cargo aircraft would provide additional capacity as demand across African, Asian, European and American markets continues to grow.
The reported order is expected to involve eight to 10 aircraft, although the final number and aircraft mix could still change. Boeing has declined to comment on speculation, while Ethiopian Airlines had not immediately confirmed the prospective purchase.
Cargo expansion also forms part of Ethiopian’s broader growth strategy. The carrier reported $9.1 billion in revenue for the 2025/26 fiscal year, while cargo capacity increased by 8% during the period.
Bishoftu Airport Expansion Plans
The freighter expansion comes as Ethiopia develops a major new airport project at Bishoftu, southeast of Addis Ababa. The planned facility is intended to support the country’s ambition to compete with established Gulf aviation and logistics hubs.
Bishoftu International Airport is being developed as a large-scale passenger and cargo gateway, with its first phase expected to begin operations around 2030.
Its planned cargo capacity could eventually reach about 3.7 million metric tons annually, creating significant infrastructure for Ethiopian Airlines’ expanding freight operations.
The airport project and fleet expansion could therefore develop alongside each other.
More freighter capacity would allow Ethiopian Airlines to build traffic ahead of the new hub’s full-scale operations while strengthening Addis Ababa’s position as a connecting point between major global markets.
Boeing 777F Faces Major Production Transition
The potential Ethiopian order also comes at an important stage for Boeing’s freighter business.
International emissions requirements mean Boeing is scheduled to stop producing the 777F at the end of 2027, even though the aircraft remains highly popular with cargo operators.
Boeing has asked the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to allow certification of 35 additional 777Fs after January 1, 2028. The requested exemption is designed to maintain production continuity and meet customer demand until the more efficient 777-8F becomes available.
The 777-8F is attracting growing interest, with Boeing confirming more than 80 orders for the new-generation freighter. MSC Air Cargo added five aircraft in July 2026, reinforcing demand for Boeing’s next-generation widebody cargo platform.
For Ethiopian Airlines, the reported purchase could provide a combination of immediate and future capacity.
The possible inclusion of current-generation 777Fs would help address near-term requirements, while 777-8Fs could support the carrier’s longer-term cargo strategy as Boeing transitions between freighter generations.
