Busy month over at Ethiopian Airlines, which is doubling down on its cargo operations. Last week, Africa’s largest carrier announced the lease contract signing with AerCap Holdings N.V., for two Boeing 777-300ERSF converted freighters, increasing the number of long-range aircraft in its fleet by 10% when they join it in the second quarter of 2028. Currently, Ethiopian operates a fleet of 12 Boeing B777-200LRF and 4 Boeing B767-300F, with 4 Boeing B737-800F complementing its cargo capacity on medium-range routes. The latest expected freighter type to come in two years’ time, is known “The Big Twin” – a nickname coined and marketed by GECAS/AerCap and converter, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) upon launching the Boeing 777-300ERSF conversion program. The moniker refers to the fact that the aircraft has just two GE90 engines instead of four, making it a very large, but still just twin-engine widebody. Ethiopian Airlines will be the first carrier in Africa to operate the “The Big Twin”.
Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, announced: “We are delighted to partner with AerCap to bring the first Boeing 777-300ERSF to Africa. These aircraft will significantly enhance our cargo capacity and efficiency, boosting trade in the region. As demand for air freight continues to grow, Ethiopian Airlines remains committed to investing in modern, sustainable solutions that cement our position in the global cargo market.”
Aengus Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of AerCap, said: “We are delighted to deepen our long-standing partnership with Ethiopian Airlines – the first customer to operate this aircraft type in Africa – through this important transaction. With 25% more capacity than today’s smaller twin-engine long-haul freighters, the 777-300ERSF delivers significant cost efficiencies and will position Ethiopian Airlines to further expand its growing cargo platform.”
A week earlier, the carrier revealed that Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services would be joining the Freightos cargo booking platform, before the end of March, opening up visibility of its rates and capacity to freight forwarders, and giving them the opportunity to quickly book and pay in real time. Dereje Derero, Managing Director of Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services, stated: “Through our partnership with Freightos, we are enhancing our cargo services for customers, including freight forwarders worldwide, by offering digital rates, quoting, and ebooking solutions with faster access and reliable service. This further strengthens our position as the continent’s leading cargo carrier.”
