SEATTLE, March 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE:
BA) and its longstanding customer Ethiopian Airlines today
announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
the intent to purchase five 777-8 Freighters, the industry's
newest, most capable and most fuel-efficient twin-engine
freighter.
The MoU to order the 777-8 Freighter will enable Ethiopian
Airlines to meet expanding global cargo demand from its hub in
Addis Ababa and position the
carrier for long-term sustainable growth.
"Consistent with our history of aviation technology leadership
in Africa, we are pleased to sign
this MoU with our longstanding partner Boeing, which will make us
join select group of launch customer airlines for the fleet. In our
vision 2035, we are planning to expand our Cargo and Logistics
business to be one of the largest global multimodal logistics
provider in all continents. To this effect we are increasing our
dedicated freighter fleet with the latest technology, fuel
efficient and environment-friendly airplanes of the 21st century.
We have also started the construction of the largest E-commerce Hub
Terminal in Africa," said
Ethiopian Airlines' Group CEO Tewolde
Gebremariam. "The new 777-8 Freighters will be instrumental
in this long journey of growth agenda. Today, our air cargo
services cover more than 120 international destinations around the
world with both belly-hold capacity and dedicated freighter
services."
Boeing launched the new 777-8 Freighter in January and has
already booked 34 firm orders for the model, which features the
advanced technology from the new 777X family and proven performance
of the market-leading 777 Freighter. With payload capacity nearly
identical to the 747-400 Freighter and a 30% improvement in fuel
efficiency, emissions and operating costs, the 777-8 Freighter will
enable a more sustainable and profitable business for
operators.
"Ethiopian Airlines has been at the forefront of Africa's cargo market for decades, growing its
fleet of Boeing freighters and connecting the continent to the flow
of global commerce," said Ihssane
Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and
Marketing. "The intent to purchase the new 777-8 Freighter further
underscores the value of our latest airplane and ensures Ethiopian
will remain a key player in global cargo, providing it with
increased capacity, flexibility and efficiency for the future."
Ethiopian Airlines currently operates nine 777 Freighters,
connecting Africa with more than
40 cargo centers throughout Asia,
Europe, the Middle East and Americas. The carrier's fleet
also includes three 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters and a
combined commercial fleet of more than 80 Boeing jets including
737s, 767s, 787s and 777s.
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops,
manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products
and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a
top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global
supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and
community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating
for the future and living the company's core values of safety,
quality and integrity. Learn more at www.boeing.com.
Contact
Nadine
Fanous
Boeing Commercial Airplanes
nadine.fanous@boeing.com
+971 4-213-4700 (Dubai)
Jessica Kowal
Boeing Media Relations
jessica.m.kowal@boeing.com
+1 206-660-6849 (Seattle)
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boeing-and-ethiopian-airlines-sign-memorandum-of-understanding-for-new-777-8-freighter-301496148.html
SOURCE Boeing