Ethiopian Airlines has signed lease agreements with Dublin-based lessor AerCap for two Boeing 777-300ERSF passenger-to-freighter aircraft, becoming the first airline in Africa to operate the type.
Deliveries are scheduled for the second quarter of 2028, according to AerCap.
Known as “The Big Twin,” the 777-300ERSF is being converted by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which received a Supplemental Type Certificate last year from both the US Federal Aviation Administration and the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel for the program.
AerCap is a partner in IAI’s 777-300 conversion program and delivered the first two converted aircraft to launch customer Kalitta Air in September last year.
Commenting on the agreement, Ethiopian Airlines Group chief executive Mesfin Tasew said the carrier was pleased to partner with AerCap to bring the first Boeing 777-300ERSF into service in Africa.
He said the aircraft would significantly expand the airline’s cargo capacity and efficiency, helping support trade growth across the region. He added that, as demand for airfreight continues to rise, Ethiopian Airlines remains committed to investing in modern and more sustainable solutions that reinforce its standing in the global cargo market.
According to fleet tracking website Planespotters, Ethiopian Airlines currently operates:
•Four Boeing 737-800P2Fs
•Two Boeing 767-300P2Fs
•Two Boeing 767-300Fs
•Twelve Boeing 777Fs
AerCap chief executive Aengus Kelly said the transaction deepens the company’s long-standing partnership with Ethiopian Airlines. He noted that the 777-300ERSF offers 25% more capacity than smaller twin-engine long-haul freighters in service today, delivering meaningful cost efficiencies and giving Ethiopian additional room to expand its cargo platform.
He added that AerCap is proud to support the airline as it continues to scale and strengthen its operations.
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