Ethiopian Airlines Orders Four Boeing 777 Freighters

Ethiopian Airlines has ordered four Boeing 777 Freighters, making its the first African carrier to order the twin-engine freighter. The order is valued at approximately $1.1 billion at list prices.

The 777 Freighter is based on the 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.

"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."

Marlin Dailey, president of Boeing Germany, EU, Northern Europe, and Africa, added, "Ethiopian Airlines continues to set the standard in aviation throughout the continent – from being the first African airline to order Boeing's 787 Dreamliner, the first to fly the 777-200LR and now the first to purchase the 777 Freighter."

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