Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines have announced an order for four Boeing 777 Freighters in a deal valued at more than $1.3 billion at list prices.
The plane is the world’s largest and longest-range twin-engine cargo jet.
The deal includes a new order for two freighters.
It also includes two freighters the airline announced as a commitment in June that finalised into a firm order.
“This airplane order will provide Ethiopian’s Cargo & Logistics business with enhanced cargo capacity and better operating economics as we continue to build one of the largest cargo terminals in the world,” said Tewolde GebreMariam, group chief executive of Ethiopian Airlines, who signed for the new airplanes at the 2017 Dubai Airshow.
“Operating high-performance airplanes such as the 777 Freighter is a reflection of our commitment to expand and support the growing imports and exports of our country and the African continent.”
With nearly 100 airplanes in operation, Ethiopian flies one of the largest and youngest fleets in Africa, including Boeing 737s, 757s, 767s, 777s, and 787s.
“We are honoured that Ethiopian Airlines, one of Africa’s leading carriers, has again selected Boeing airplanes to grow its operations, adding to an order book that includes the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president Kevin McAllister.
“The 777 Freighter has no competitor in its class when it comes to low operating costs, long range, and capacity to carry cargo.”
This order pushes 777 net orders this year to 57 – 37 of them for the current-generation 777 airplane – providing further support to a smooth production transition to the new 777X.