Ethiopian Airlines Orders 10 Boeing 777 Freighters, Narrows Gap With Airbus

Ethiopian Airlines ordered eight 777-8 freighters and two current-model 777 cargo jets from Boeing, the manufacturer announced Wednesday afternoon, making the African carrier the first on the continent to order the 777-8 and lifting Boeing's firm orders for the model to 89. The order came a day after Airbus conducted the maiden test flight of its A350 freighter. Airbus holds 115 orders for the A350, which has a maximum payload of 111 metric tons versus 118 tons for the 777-8. Ethiopian said it will use the planes for growth and network expansion. Its fleet currently connects more than 70 markets with 18 Boeing aircraft: 12 777s, two 767 medium widebody jets and four 737-800 converted narrowbody freighters. No delivery timetable was given. Boeing is targeting commercial release of the 777-8 in 2028, but certification delays could push production into 2029 or beyond. Boeing said the 777-8 offers 30% better fuel efficiency and 25% lower operating costs per ton than a 747-400.