Posted by Courtney E. HowardEVERETT, Wash., 6 Oct. 2011. Ethiopian Airlines officials have placed a roughly $1.1 billion order for four Boeing 777 Freighters from The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA). The long-range, twin-engine freighter is based on the advanced 777-200LR passenger airplane, can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a full payload of 225,200 pounds (102 metric tons), and boasts a high cargo density and 10-foot (3.1-meter) interior height.
Ethiopian Airlines is considered the largest African cargo carrier, operating in some of the fastest growing trade lanes of the world (between Africa and Europe, the Middle East, and Asia), says Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde Gebremariam. “The new 777 Freighter fleet will significantly enhance our tonnage and range capabilities. The proven operational and economical efficiency of these airplanes will reposition Ethiopian Cargo in a stronger place to continue winning in this hypercompetitive market."
"Over the past few years, we've seen Ethiopian Airlines become a leader in African aviation and they are well on their way to becoming a global aviation leader," affirms Marlin Dailey, president of Boeing Germany, EU, Northern Europe, and Africa. "Ethiopian Airlines continues to set the standard in aviation throughout the continent--from being the first African airline to order Boeing's 787 Dreamliner, the first to fly the 777-200LR, and now the first to purchase the 777 Freighter."
Ethiopian Airlines was the first to operate the 777-200LR, and now has five in its fleet. It was the first to order the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with an order for 10. The company currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of 737, 757, 767, and 777 airplanes in passenger service and a 757, MD11, and 747 in cargo operations.
