Ethiopian Airlines to acquire $651.4 planes from Boeing

ETHIOPIAN Airlines and American Boeing have announced a commitment to purchase two 777 Freighters at the 2017 Paris Air Show, valued at $651.4 million at list prices.

This is just as the airline has also announced an order for 10 additional 737 MAX eight airplanes as part of a deal signed in September 2014, completing the largest ever order for the 737 MAX in Africa.

Ethiopian now has firm orders for 30 737 MAX 8s. The order was previously attributed to an unidentified customer on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website.

Speaking on the deal, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian, Tewolde GebreMariam, said “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 B777 Freighters is expected to boost the Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services.

“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.” The 777 Freighter, the world’s longest-range twin-engine freighter, is based on the technologically advanced 777-200LR (Longer Range) passenger airplane and can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a full payload of 112 tons (102 metric tonnes or 102,000 kg).