Ethiopian Airlines Orders 10 Boeing Freighters, First African 777-8F Buyer

Ethiopian Airlines signed a firm order for ten Boeing freighters — two current-generation 777Fs and eight next-gen 777-8F aircraft — becoming Africa's first 777-8F customer. The deal carries an estimated list value of about $5 billion, though the 777-8F still lacks ETOPS certification, expected no earlier than 2027.

• Order covers two 777Fs and eight 777-8F jets, list value about $5 billion
• 777-8F carries 118 tonnes of payload vs 107 tonnes on the 777F, range 4,410 nautical miles
• FAA granted Boeing a three-year exemption on Sept 16 to certify up to 35 more 777Fs
• Ethiopian is Africa's largest cargo carrier with about 897,000 tonnes handled, up 16%