Ethiopian Airlines is nearing an order for Boeing 777-8F freighters, four years after signing a preliminary agreement for the new cargo aircraft but never converting it into a publicly announced firm order.
The airline is discussing a purchase of eight to 10 Boeing freighters, including two current-generation 777Fs and six to eight 777-8Fs, Reuters reported, citing two industry sources. Boeing declined to comment, while Ethiopian did not respond to a request from the outlet.
A firm agreement would clarify a commitment that dates to shortly after the 777-8F program was launched. Ethiopian and Boeing signed a Memorandum of Understanding in March 2022 covering five 777-8Fs, making the African carrier one of the first airlines to commit to the type.
Neither company subsequently announced the conversion of those five aircraft into a firm order. It is unclear whether the six to eight 777-8Fs now under discussion include the aircraft covered by the 2022 MoU or represent a larger commitment.
Early interest in 777-8F
Ethiopian disclosed its original agreement only weeks after Boeing launched the 777-8F with Qatar Airways in January 2022. At the time, the airline said the aircraft would form part of plans to expand its cargo and logistics business through 2035.
The carrier was already a major 777F operator. In May 2022, Ethiopian placed a separate firm order for five additional current-generation 777Fs to meet near-term cargo demand. That purchase was distinct from the MoU for five 777-8Fs.
Ethiopian now operates 12 777Fs, making the successor model a natural candidate for its long-term freighter fleet. Its cargo operation handled about 897,000 tonnes in the latest financial year, 16% more than a year earlier.
The possible inclusion of another two 777Fs in the latest negotiations would again provide near-term capacity before the 777-8F becomes available.
Boeing is seeking permission from US regulators to continue delivering the current 777F beyond the end of 2027, when new international emissions standards are due to prevent production of aircraft that do not meet the new requirements. The manufacturer has requested an exemption covering as many as 35 additional 777Fs.
The issue has become more significant as delays to the 777X program have pushed back the 777-8F. The new freighter was originally scheduled to enter service in 2027.
A350F still under consideration
Despite its longstanding 777-8F commitment and large 777F fleet, Ethiopian is also evaluating the Airbus A350F, according to Reuters.
Airbus already has a substantial position in Ethiopian's passenger fleet. The airline operates the A350-900 and became the first African carrier to introduce the larger A350-1000 in 2024.
An A350F order would add a second type to a dedicated long-haul freighter operation currently dominated by Boeing. Ethiopian also operates Boeing 767 freighters and converted 737 cargo aircraft.
The competition is notable because Ethiopian had publicly selected the 777-8F before the A350F had secured much of its current customer base. Four years later, the airline has yet to announce a firm 777-8F contract and continues to consider the Airbus alternative.
Cargo expansion
The negotiations come as Ethiopian prepares for a major increase in capacity at its Addis Ababa hub and develops the new Bishoftu International Airport.
The planned $12.5 billion airport is expected to open its first phase in 2030 and eventually have capacity to handle 3.7 million tonnes of cargo annually, several times Ethiopian's current annual cargo volume.
The airline has continued expanding its Boeing fleet in the meantime. In January, Boeing and Ethiopian confirmed a firm order for nine additional 787-9s, alongside an earlier purchase of 11 more 737 MAX aircraft finalized in December 2025.
Ethiopian is also approaching a decision on approximately 25 smaller passenger aircraft, with the Airbus A220, Embraer E2 and Boeing 737-7 among the models evaluated.
