Ethiopian’s 777 quartet
06 / 10 / 2011
ETHIOPIAN has become the first African carrier to order four 777Fs.
The order is valued at approximately US$1.1 billion.
“As the largest African cargo carrier operating in some of the fastest growing trade lanes of the world – between Africa and Europe, Middle East and Asia – the new 777 freighter fleet will significantly enhance our tonnage and range capabilities,” Tewolde Gebremariam, chief executive officer of Ethiopian Airlines, said.
The 777 freighter is the world’s longest-range twin-engine freighter, based on the 777-200LR passenger aircraft and can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometres) with a full payload of 225,200 pounds (102 metric tonnes).
Ethiopian Airlines was the first to operate the 777-200LR (it now has five in its fleet) and the first to order the 787 Dreamliner with an order for 10. Ethiopian Airlines currently operates a 757, MD-11 and 747 for cargo operations.