Ethiopian Airlines close to Boeing cargo plane order, sources say

• Boeing must stop producing the 777F by end of 2027 under emissions rules and has requested FAA approval to deliver 35 additional units due to 777X certification delays
• Boeing currently manufactures two 777F freighters per month, with over 400 units sold to date making it a lucrative product line
• The Ethiopian deal supports the airline's strategy to establish a competitive African logistics hub challenging established Gulf region carriers

Summary: Ethiopian Airlines Nears Boeing Freighter Order

Key Transaction Details:

Ethiopian Airlines is approaching a deal to purchase 8-10 Boeing long-haul freighters as part of plans to develop a new African cargo hub to compete with Gulf carriers. The order is expected to include two current-generation 777F aircraft and the remainder in the delayed 777-8F model.

Strategic Context:

The deal helps Boeing bridge a critical production gap as it transitions between freighter models. Under international emissions regulations, Boeing must cease production of the widely successful 777F (over 400 units sold) by end of 2027. However, certification delays for the next-generation 777X family, including the 777-8F cargo variant, have created supply chain concerns.

Regulatory Developments:

In December, Boeing requested an FAA waiver to deliver an additional 35 777F freighters beyond the 2027 deadline, citing strong market demand and 777X delays. The FAA confirmed Tuesday that this waiver request remains pending with no decision yet made. One industry source indicated Boeing is confident of securing approval. Boeing currently manufactures two 777F freighters monthly.

Market Implications:

The potential Ethiopian order demonstrates continued strong demand for air cargo capacity, particularly as African carriers seek to expand infrastructure and compete with established Middle Eastern logistics hubs. The transaction timing remains uncertain regarding whether deliveries would occur before or after the 2027 production deadline, pending FAA waiver approval.

Neither Boeing nor Ethiopian Airlines provided official comment on the pending deal.