Ethiopian Airlines has ordered eight 777-8 Freighters and two 777 Freighters from Boeing, confirming a deal that had been rumoured since early September and making the Addis Ababa-based carrier the first African airline to purchase the new-generation 777-8F.

The commitment follows reports by Air Cargo News at the start of September that Ethiopian was considering a purchase of up to 10 Boeing freighters, a mix of the current-production 777F and the new 777-8F. The confirmed order matches that scale: eight of the next-generation type plus two of the in-production freighter.

The aircraft will join a cargo fleet that currently stands at 12 777Fs, two 767Fs and four 737-800SFs, according to the carrier. The 777-8F carries a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes; the 777F is rated at 107 tonnes. In structural payload terms, the eight 777-8Fs alone represent roughly 944 tonnes of combined capacity, against 214 tonnes for the two additional 777Fs — a substantial addition to Ethiopian's dedicated freighter operation.

Group chief executive Mesfin Tasew framed the order as both a fleet and a network decision.

"This agreement marks another significant milestone in strengthening Ethiopian Airlines' cargo capabilities while supporting the continued expansion of our global network," Tasew said.

"The addition of the Boeing 777-8F Freighters and 777F Freighters will enhance our ability to serve customers around the world with greater payload capacity, operational flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability."

He tied the aircraft directly to trade flows through Ethiopia's hub. "As demand for cargo services continues to grow, these aircraft will play a vital role in facilitating global trade, strengthening supply chain connectivity, and further reinforcing Ethiopia's position as a leading cargo gateway between Africa and international markets. It also marks our long-term partnership with Boeing."

Ethiopian currently connects more than 70 cargo markets across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America — a network footprint that has made its Addis Ababa hub the continent's principal cargo gateway and the operational base from which the additional widebody freighter capacity will be deployed.

Brad McMullen, Boeing's senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing, positioned the order as evidence of sustained freighter demand and of a decades-long customer relationship.

"Ethiopian Airlines' order for the industry-leading 777 Freighter and new 777-8 Freighter highlights both the strength of our partnership and growing demand for air cargo worldwide," McMullen said. "We appreciate Ethiopian Airlines' continued confidence in Boeing and the 777 and 777X family of airplanes as it expands its cargo capabilities and global network. The airline continues to make history as the first in Africa to order the new 777-8 Freighter."

For Boeing, the order adds firm widebody freighter commitments to the 777X programme's backlog as the manufacturer works to bring the 777-8F to market following the passenger 777-9's extended development timeline. For Ethiopian, the split order bridges current and next-generation capacity: the two 777Fs are available for near-term delivery against an already large 777F operation, while the eight 777-8Fs secure additional payload and efficiency for the decade ahead.

The order, when delivered, will consolidate Ethiopian's position as Africa's largest dedicated freighter operator and reinforce Addis Ababa's role as the primary air cargo transit point between Africa and long-haul markets in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America.