Ethiopian Airlines is set to expand its cargo fleet with an agreement to acquire 10 long-haul freighter aircraft from US aerospace giant Boeing, strengthening the airline’s position in Africa’s growing air-freight market.
The agreement is scheduled to be signed in Addis Ababa on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, according to information displayed at the venue of the signing ceremony. The development follows weeks of reports that the state-owned Ethiopian carrier was close to finalising a major Boeing freighter order.
The planned acquisition comes as Ethiopian Airlines continues to expand its international network and develop its cargo operations. The airline’s latest move also coincides with preparations for a major new airport project that is expected to become a significant aviation hub on the continent.
Deal to Include Boeing 777 Freighters
Industry sources previously told Reuters that the proposed order could involve as many as 10 long-range Boeing freighters.
The arrangement is expected to include two aircraft from Boeing’s existing 777F cargo programme, while the remaining aircraft are expected to be linked to the newer 777-8F model.
The 777-8F is the freighter version of Boeing’s 777X family, although development and certification delays have pushed back its expected entry into service.
The inclusion of existing 777F aircraft would therefore allow Ethiopian Airlines to strengthen its cargo capacity while Boeing works toward the introduction of the next-generation freighter.
Ethiopian Airlines Expands Cargo Ambitions
The planned purchase is part of a broader expansion strategy by Ethiopian Airlines, which has developed one of Africa’s largest aviation networks.
The carrier has increasingly positioned Addis Ababa as a major connecting point between Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Expanding its dedicated freighter fleet would give the airline additional capacity to transport goods over long distances and support the development of its cargo business.
The move also comes as competition grows between African airlines and major carriers based in the Gulf and other international aviation markets.
New Airport Project Adds to Expansion
Ethiopian Airlines’ aircraft plans are closely connected to a much larger infrastructure project.
The airline is helping finance a $12.5 billion airport development programme that Ethiopian officials describe as a plan to build Africa’s largest airport.
The first phase of the new facility is scheduled to become operational in 2030.
The airport project is expected to significantly increase Ethiopia’s aviation capacity and provide additional room for the country’s national carrier to expand passenger and cargo operations.
The combination of additional freighters and a much larger airport could therefore support Ethiopian Airlines’ long-term ambition of strengthening Addis Ababa’s role as a major international aviation hub.
Boeing Faces Freighter Transition
The deal also comes at an important stage in Boeing’s freighter business.
The US manufacturer is dealing with delays to the 777X programme, which includes the 777-8F cargo aircraft that is expected to replace the current 777F.
Boeing has sought regulatory approval to continue delivering additional 777F aircraft because of strong demand and delays in certification of the newer aircraft.
The company has already delivered more than 400 of the widely used 777F freighters, making the model an important part of its cargo aircraft business.
Under international emissions regulations, Boeing is expected to stop producing the current-generation 777F at the end of 2027. The manufacturer has therefore been seeking ways to maintain production while its next-generation freighter moves toward certification.
Major Boost for African Air Cargo
For Ethiopian Airlines, the planned Boeing order represents more than an increase in fleet numbers.
Additional freighters could give the carrier greater flexibility as demand for international cargo transportation develops across Africa and between the continent and major global markets.
Ethiopia has also been investing heavily in its aviation infrastructure, with Ethiopian Airlines playing a central role in the country’s strategy to develop Addis Ababa into a major transportation and logistics centre.
The new airport project is expected to provide the infrastructure needed to accommodate future growth, while the additional freighters would strengthen the airline’s ability to handle cargo traffic.
Signing Marks Next Step in Expansion
The planned September 30 agreement follows reports earlier in September that Ethiopian Airlines was close to completing negotiations with Boeing for as many as 10 long-haul freighters.
At that stage, industry sources indicated that the order could involve between eight and 10 aircraft, subject to final adjustments. The latest announcement at the signing venue confirms that the agreement will cover 10 freighters.
The deal places Ethiopian Airlines among the African carriers pursuing significant fleet and infrastructure expansion as the continent’s aviation sector develops.
With the planned aircraft acquisition and the construction of a new mega-airport, Ethiopia is positioning its national airline for increased passenger and cargo activity over the coming years.
The first phase of the airport is expected to open in 2030, providing a potential new platform for Ethiopian Airlines’ continued international expansion.
