Ethiopian Airlines inks deal with Boeing for two 777 freighters
Aviation - Ethiopian Airlines has placed an order for two 777 freighters worth $651.4 million from Boeing. The deal was finalised at the 2017 Paris Air Show.
Jun 21, 2017: Ethiopian Airlines has placed an order for two 777 freighters worth $651.4 million from Boeing. The deal was finalised at the 2017 Paris Air Show.
The airline has also announced an order for 10 additional 737 MAX 8 airplanes, exercising options from their 2014 order, which was the largest for the 737 MAX in Africa. As of date, Ethiopian has firm orders for 30 737 MAX 8s. The order was previously attributed to an unidentified customer on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website.
"Building one of the largest cargo terminals in the world and operating new-generation, high-performance aircraft reflects our commitment in expanding and supporting the exponentially growing imports and exports of our country in particular and the African continent in general. The commitment to purchase two 777 Freighters is expected to boost the Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services," said Tewolde GebreMariam, GCEO of Ethiopian Airlines.
"The 737 MAX will form a key component of our strategic roadmap, vision 2025, enhancing our single-aisle fleet and keeping us at the forefront of African aviation. This is a continuation of the longstanding and commendable business partnership we had established with Boeing."
Based on the technologically advanced 777-200LR (Longer Range) passenger airplane, the 777 Freighter, is the world's longest-range twin-engine freighter. It can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a full payload of 112 tonnes (102 metric tonnes or 102,000 kg).
"The 777 Freighter's range capability, combined with its enhanced cargo capacity, makes it the perfect airplane for Ethiopian to continue to profitably grow its global freighter service, linking trade routes between Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president, Global Sales & Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Ethiopian's 737 MAX order is a continued endorsement of the airplane's efficiency, range, reliability and operating costs."
The 737 MAX incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.
