Ethiopian Airlines (ET, Addis Ababa International) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Boeing (BOE, Washington National) for five B777-8 freighters as part of its longterm growth plan.
"Consistent with our history of aviation technology leadership in Africa, we are pleased to sign this MoU with our longstanding partner Boeing, which will make us join a select group of launch customer airlines for the fleet. In our Vision 2035, we are planning to expand our cargo and logistics business to be one of the largest global multi-modal logistics providers in all continents. To this effect, we are increasing our dedicated freighter fleet with the latest technology, fuel-efficient and environment-friendly airplanes of the 21st century. We have also started the construction of the largest E-Commerce Hub Terminal in Africa," Ethiopian Aviation Holding Group chief executive Tewolde Gebremariam said.
"The new B777-8 freighters will be instrumental in this long journey of growth agenda. Today, our air cargo services cover more than 120 international destinations around the world with both bellyhold capacity and dedicated freighter services."
No prospective delivery date for the order was given.
Ethiopian operates an inhouse freighter fleet of nine B777-Fs and three B737-800(SF)s alongside six A350-900 and one Dash 8-400 makeshift freighters.
