Ethiopian Airlines Expands Cargo Fleet with New Boeing 777 Freighter

Ethiopian Airlines has expanded its cargo fleet with a brand-new Boeing 777 Freighter, registered as ET-BAB (MSN 68140). The aircraft was delivered directly from Boeing’s factory in Everett, Washington, USA, and landed at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport at 3:41 PM (GMT+3) on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility, the airline used the delivery flight to transport humanitarian aid. 

“This significant milestone reinforces our capacity to serve global markets with increased efficiency and reliability, enabling us to meet the growing demand for air freight services worldwide. The new freighter will play a vital role in strengthening our extensive network and providing unmatched service to our customers,” the airline stated.  

With the arrival of this aircraft, Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet now includes 11 Boeing 777 Freighters, with three additional units on order. The airline's cargo division also operates four Boeing 737-800 Freighters, three locally converted Boeing 767-300 BDSFs, and two leased Boeing 767 Freighters from Air Canada, which were added to the fleet just last month.

Notably, in March 2022, Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the future acquisition of five Boeing 777-8 Freighters, the industry’s latest twin-engine freighter that is currently under development and renowned for its advanced capabilities and fuel efficiency.  

In a strategic move to enhance its cargo operations, Ethiopian Airlines partnered with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in 2021 to establish a Boeing 767-300ER freighter conversion line at its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Addis Ababa. By September 2022, the airline had also signed a lease agreement with Titan Aviation for three converted Boeing 767-300ER freighters. (link: https://www.aircargonews.net/ethiopian-airlines-adds-to-freighter-fleet/1065989.article)

These investments and fleet expansions underscore Ethiopian Airlines’ dominant position in both the passenger and cargo transport sectors. With a diverse and modern fleet of over 135 aircraft, the airline continues to strengthen its role as Africa’s leading aviation powerhouse, meeting the increasing demands of the global market and solidifying its status on the world stage.  

 Ethiopian Airlines serves 70 dedicated cargo destinations and more than 140 passenger destinations spanning Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Through Ethiopian Cargo, the airline provides specialized services for general freight and special cargo, including horticultural products, pharmaceuticals, valuables, live animals, and e-commerce.

The airline has also achieved significant recognition for its pharmaceutical logistics capabilities. On January 17, 2025, Ethiopian Airlines announced the recertification of its IATA CEIV Pharma (Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics) accreditation, both as an airline and ground handling agent. The airline first achieved this milestone in 2022, underscoring its dedication to maintaining world-class standards in pharmaceutical transportation.