Africa’s largest airline is expanding its cargo fleet while developing a new hub capable of handling up to 3.7 million tonnes annually
Boeing Deal Has Not Yet Been Finalised
Ethiopian Airlines is nearing an agreement with Boeing for the purchase of up to ten long-haul freighters. Negotiations remain underway, meaning the number of aircraft and the final composition of the order could still change.
According to Reuters, the proposed package could include two current-generation Boeing 777Fs and several next-generation Boeing 777-8Fs. Neither Ethiopian Airlines nor Boeing has officially confirmed a signed contract.
The potential order would increase available capacity on routes connecting Africa with Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America. Long-haul freighters are particularly important for perishables, pharmaceuticals, industrial machinery, electronics and time-critical shipments.
Airline Already Operates 12 Boeing 777Fs
Ethiopian Airlines Cargo operates one of Africa’s largest dedicated freighter fleets. It currently includes 12 Boeing 777Fs as well as cargo aircraft of other types.
The carrier is also expanding through converted passenger aircraft. In March 2026, Ethiopian Airlines signed lease agreements with AerCap for two Boeing 777-300ERSF aircraft. Deliveries of the freighters, known as the Big Twin, are scheduled for the second quarter of 2028. They are expected to become the first aircraft of this type operated by an African airline.
Ethiopian Airlines handled approximately 897,000 tonnes of cargo during its latest financial year, representing growth of 16%. The increase underlines the expanding role of freight operations within the airline’s broader business.
New Airport Will Handle 3.7 Million Tonnes
Fleet expansion is closely connected with the development of the planned Bishoftu International Airport, which will complement Ethiopian Airlines’ existing hub in Addis Ababa. The project is valued at approximately $12.5 billion.
Its planned cargo capacity reaches 3.7 million tonnes annually. The first phase is expected to open in 2030, although the schedule will depend on construction progress and the availability of financing.
The new airport would allow Ethiopian Airlines to increase connections between African markets and long-haul destinations. The carrier aims to compete more directly for transit cargo currently handled by major Gulf aviation hubs.
K2Cargo.News previously reported that CEVA’s charter from China strengthened Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional rapid-response cargo hub. Ethiopian Airlines’ expansion could give shippers an additional African distribution option and reduce dependence on transfers through Middle Eastern airports.
African Cargo Growth Trails the Global Market
The airline’s expansion plans come as global air cargo markets show uneven regional performance. According to the latest IATA data, worldwide demand measured in cargo tonne-kilometres increased by 3.9% year on year in July 2026.
African carriers recorded growth of only 1.1%, the weakest result among all regions. Their available cargo capacity increased by 4.1%, considerably faster than demand.
Fuel costs remain an important source of pressure. Global jet-fuel prices rose by 12.2% month on month in July. African airlines are particularly exposed because many countries depend on imported refined fuel, have limited domestic refining capacity and face additional expenses when supplying individual airports.
Additional Freighters Could Increase Competition
If completed, the Boeing order would strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ intercontinental network and allow the carrier to add capacity without relying exclusively on the belly holds of passenger aircraft.
For exporters of flowers, vegetables, fruit, meat and pharmaceuticals, the expansion could provide more direct flights and additional space for time-sensitive shipments. Importers of machinery and electronics could gain new distribution options into African markets through Addis Ababa and the future Bishoftu hub.
The financial outcome will nevertheless depend on aircraft acquisition costs, delivery dates for the Boeing 777-8F, fuel prices and the airline’s ability to secure sufficient cargo volumes in both directions.
Read also: CEVA China Charter Strengthens Abu Dhabi’s Role as a Regional Rapid-Response Cargo Hub
