Ethiopian Airlines: Boeing Cargo Plane Deal Nears for 10 Freighters

• Ethiopian Airlines is reportedly nearing a deal to acquire up to ten long-haul Boeing freighter aircraft.
• The potential order includes two current-generation 777F models and up to eight delayed 777-8F models.
• Boeing faces regulatory uncertainty for 777F production due to international emissions rules and 777X delays, prompting an FAA waiver request.
• This acquisition is part of Ethiopian Airlines' strategy to expand its cargo operations and strengthen Addis Ababa as a major African aviation hub.
• The airline is also developing the $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport, projected to open its first phase in 2030.

The FAA confirmed on Tuesday that this critical request for a FAA 777F production waiver remains under review.

Ethiopian Airlines is reportedly close to finalizing a significant Ethiopian Airlines Boeing cargo plane deal, aiming to acquire up to ten long-haul freighter aircraft. This strategic move underscores the national carrier's ambition to substantially grow its cargo operations and solidify its standing as a pivotal aviation hub across the African continent. According to two industry sources cited by Reuters, the prospective order is anticipated to include two of Boeing's existing 777F freighter models. The remaining aircraft in the potential acquisition could comprise the manufacturer's next-generation, albeit delayed, 777-8F model.

While one source indicated the total order might range between eight and ten aircraft, they also noted that final adjustments remain a possibility. Neither party has officially confirmed the reports; Boeing declined to comment, characterizing the information as speculation, and Ethiopian Airlines had not yet issued a statement regarding the reported transaction. This potential Ethiopian Airlines 777F order would significantly bolster the airline's dedicated cargo fleet, which currently includes twelve Boeing 777F freighters, three Boeing 767 cargo planes, and four converted 737 freighters, contributing to its overall fleet of 147 aircraft.

The proposed Ethiopian Airlines Boeing cargo plane deal unfolds against a backdrop of regulatory complexities impacting Boeing's freighter production. The manufacturer faces considerable uncertainty regarding the future of its widely utilized 777F model. Under prevailing international emissions regulations, the production of the 777F is slated to cease by 2027. This impending deadline is further complicated by persistent delays in the development and certification of its successor, the 777X family, which includes the crucial 777-8F cargo aircraft.

In response to these challenges, Boeing formally requested a waiver from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in December. The company sought permission to deliver an additional 35 777F freighters, citing robust market demand and the ongoing delays in the 777X certification process. The FAA confirmed on Tuesday that this critical request for a FAA 777F production waiver remains under review. This situation highlights potential supply chain risks and regulatory impacts on aircraft availability, which could influence contract terms for major airline acquisitions like the prospective Boeing 777-8F acquisition Ethiopia is considering.

This potential Ethiopian Airlines Boeing cargo plane deal is a key component of a broader, ambitious strategy to expand the airline's cargo capacity and cement Addis Ababa's role as a dominant aviation and logistics gateway connecting Africa with global markets. Beyond direct purchases, the airline is also actively expanding its cargo fleet through leasing arrangements, as evidenced by agreements signed with AerCap in March for two Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft destined for freighter conversion. Furthermore, the carrier has been evaluating Airbus's A350F cargo aircraft as part of its ongoing Ethiopian Airlines fleet expansion efforts.

Complementing this fleet growth, Ethiopian Airlines is spearheading the development of a massive new international airport near Addis Ababa. Construction commenced in January on the $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport project, situated approximately 45 kilometers southeast of the capital. This planned four-runway facility is projected to become one of Africa's largest aviation complexes, with its initial phase anticipated to open in 2030. The African Development Bank estimates the airport will eventually handle up to 3.7 million metric tons of cargo annually, a significant increase from the 897,000 metric tons Ethiopian Airlines processed in its most recent financial year, representing a 16% rise.

The United States has also reaffirmed its support for the Bishoftu project, with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce Mark Mitchell indicating in July 2026 that Washington is exploring avenues to advance the multi-billion-dollar initiative and increase participation from American firms, including Boeing and GE Aerospace. Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew also mentioned in June that a decision on a separate order for 25 smaller passenger aircraft was expected within three months.

Lawyers advising on aviation finance, procurement, or regulatory compliance should note the pending FAA waiver for Boeing 777F production, which highlights potential supply chain risks and regulatory impacts on aircraft availability and contract terms for major airline acquisitions like this.

Source: Original reporting via Reuters and Addis Standard