Africa-Press. A local source reported that Ethiopian Airlines is nearing a deal to purchase up to 10 long-haul cargo aircraft from Boeing, as part of its plans to establish a new operations hub in Africa to compete with Gulf airlines.
The deal is likely to include two current-generation 777F aircraft from Boeing, which will help the American company bridge the gap until the new 777-8F freighter model arrives, according to the sources.
One source indicated that the order will include between 8 to 10 aircraft, unless last-minute changes occur. Boeing stated that it would not comment on speculation. Ethiopian Airlines did not provide an immediate comment.
Under international emissions regulations, Boeing is set to cease production of the widely used 777F by the end of 2027, marking the end of a profitable chapter after selling over 400 units.
However, delays in developing the 777X aircraft, the successor to the 777 family, which includes the new 777-8F freighter model, have pressured Boeing to continue producing the current 777F for some time to avoid supply chain disruptions.
In December, Boeing requested an exemption from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to allow it to deliver an additional 35 777F freighter aircraft, citing strong demand and delays in the 777X certification. The FAA announced on Tuesday that the exemption request is still under review and no decision has been made. Boeing stated that its request would enable it to continue meeting part of the demand until the new 777-8F enters service.
It was not immediately clear whether the 777F aircraft included in the Ethiopian Airlines deal are scheduled for delivery before or after the deadline, but one industry source reported that Boeing is confident of obtaining approval for the exemption. Boeing is currently building two 777F freighters per month, according to a recent filing with the FAA.
Ethiopian Airlines currently operates 12 similar 777F freighters, in addition to three Boeing 767 freighters and four modified 737 aircraft on medium-haul routes, within a fleet of 147 jets.
In March, Africa’s largest airline announced that it had signed leasing agreements with a local source to convert two Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft into freighters.
The company is also considering the new Airbus A350F freighter model, according to sources. Ethiopian Airlines is now expected to operate its first flight, originally scheduled for the third week of September, by the end of the month.
This expansion comes as Ethiopian Airlines contributes to funding a $12.5 billion plan for what officials describe as the largest airport in Africa, with the first phase set to open in 2030.
Construction of Bishoftu International Airport, which will feature four runways and is located about 45 kilometers (28 miles) southeast of Addis Ababa, began last January. The airport is expected to handle 3.7 million metric tons of cargo annually, according to the African Development Bank.
Official media reported last month that Ethiopian Airlines handled 897,000 metric tons in the last fiscal year, an increase of 16%.
The CEO stated in June that Ethiopian Airlines will also decide within three months on a separate order to purchase 25 small passenger aircraft.
