By Janefrances Chibuzor
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopian Airlines has signed lease agreements with AerCap Holdings N.V. for two converted Boeing 777-300ERSF aircraft, with deliveries scheduled for the second quarter of 2028.
The aircraft, a converted freighter variant of the Boeing 777-300ER passenger jet, is expected to become the first of its type to operate in Africa, marking a significant addition to the continent’s air cargo fleet.
In a statement issued on the agreement, Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, Mesfin Tasew, said the introduction of the aircraft would support the airline’s cargo operations as demand for air freight continues to expand across global and regional markets.
He noted that the aircraft would increase cargo-carrying capacity and operational efficiency, adding that the move aligns with the airline’s broader fleet development strategy.
Chief Executive Officer of AerCap, Aengus Kelly, confirmed the agreement and described it as part of ongoing collaboration between the two companies.
He said the Boeing 777-300ERSF offers larger payload capacity compared with smaller twin-engine freighters currently in operation.
Industry analysts note that the introduction of large-capacity converted freighters reflects continued growth in air cargo demand, driven by e-commerce expansion, cross-border trade, and supply chain adjustments across Africa and other emerging markets.
The Boeing 777-300ERSF, sometimes referred to as “The Big Twin,” is designed to carry significantly larger volumes of cargo than earlier-generation converted freighters.
The aircraft is part of a broader trend among global airlines to convert wide-body passenger aircraft into freighters to meet long-term cargo demand.
Ethiopian Airlines operates one of Africa’s largest cargo networks, serving destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The airline has continued to expand its cargo fleet in recent years as part of efforts to respond to shifting global logistics demands.
The delivery of the two aircraft in 2028 is expected to further strengthen the airline’s cargo capabilities and support regional trade connectivity across Africa.
