Ethiopian Airlines has placed an order at the Dubai Airshow 2017 for four Boeing 777 Freighters.

The deal includes a new order for two freighters, as well as two aircraft for which the airline announced a commitment at the Paris Air Show in June 2017.

“This airplane order will provide Ethiopian’s Cargo & Logistics business with enhanced cargo capacity and better operating economics as we continue to build one of the largest cargo terminals in the world,” said Tewolde GebreMariam [left in photo], group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “Operating high-performance airplanes such as the 777 Freighter is a reflection of our commitment to expand and support the growing imports and exports of our country and the African continent.”

Ethiopian Cargo is the largest network cargo operator in Africa with two 757Fs and six 777Fs serving 39 cargo destinations in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The carrier also opened a cargo terminal in June 2017 which is capable of handling 1 million tonnes a year.

“We are honoured that Ethiopian Airlines, one of Africa’s leading carriers, has again selected Boeing airplanes to grow its operations, adding to an order book that includes the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner,” said Kevin McAllister [right in photo], president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 777 Freighter has no competitor in its class when it comes to low operating costs, long range, and capacity to carry cargo.”

Based on the 777-200LR, the 777F can fly 4,900 nautical miles with a full payload of 102 tonnes.

Ethiopian’s current fleet includes 737s, 757s, 767s, 777s and 787s.