Ethiopian Airlines Receives First 737-800 Freighter

Ethiopian Airlines, on 1 March took delivery of its first Boeing 737-800 freighter, the first of its kind in the Ethiopian Cargo fleet mix.

Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Tewolde GebreMariam, remarked: “We are excited to have taken delivery of the newest freighter a few days after being crowned with ‘African Cargo Airline of the Year’ and ‘Air Cargo Brand of the Year in Africa’ Awards for the fourth year in a row.

“The arrival of this new freighter is a significant addition and propels both our capacity and frequency. The B-737-800 Freighter will give us a new capability to serve short haul destinations in African and the Middle East more economically which includes the export of Ethiopian meat, fruits and vegetables to the Gulf Region. As per our strategic roadmap, Vision 2025, we will keep introducing new systems and technologies and play an indispensable role to the socio-economic development of Ethiopia and Africa at large.”

The freighter has a carrying capacity of more than 23 metric tons of payload.

In January 2018 Ethiopian Airlines committed to lease two 737-800 freighters converted by Aeronautical Engineers Inc from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). The first was expected in June 2018 and the second in January 2019.

By 2025, Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services envisions becoming a full-fledged profit centre of Ethiopian Airlines Group with annual revenue of $2 billion, 19 dedicated aircraft, annual tonnage of 820 000, and 57 international destinations.