Ethiopian Airlines plans to expand its cargo capacity with the addition of two Boeing 777-300ERSF aircraft, the carrier announced Thursday, aiming to capture rising global air freight demand and nearly triple its cargo volumes by 2040.
The aircraft, originally designed for passenger transport, will be converted into freighters through a leasing agreement with Ireland-based AerCap, with deliveries expected in the second quarter of 2028. The move is part of the airline’s “Vision 2040” strategy, which seeks to strengthen Ethiopia’s position as a major hub for air cargo in Africa and globally.
“As demand for air cargo continues to grow, Ethiopian Airlines remains committed to investing in modern and sustainable solutions that strengthen our position in the global cargo market,” said CEO Mesfin Tasew.
Rising global air cargo demand
The expansion comes amid sustained growth in international air freight. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the value of goods transported by air rose 25 percent year-on-year between January and August 2025, based on data from 47 countries representing 39 percent of global trade.
By comparison, total trade across all transport modes grew only 7 percent, while maritime transport recorded less than 1 percent growth over the same period. IATA forecasts global air freight volumes to increase by 2.6 percent in 2026, reflecting rising demand for faster and more flexible logistics solutions.
Ethiopian Airlines transported 754,000 tons of cargo in 2025, and the airline aims to increase that figure to 1.9 million tons by 2040, signaling aggressive growth in line with regional and international trade trends.
Modern freighter capabilities
The Boeing 777-300ERSF offers approximately 25 percent more capacity than the airline’s current long-haul cargo aircraft while improving operational efficiency. The aircraft can carry heavier and bulkier loads over longer distances, making it suitable for expanding international freight routes from Ethiopia’s hub in Addis Ababa.
Industry analysts noted that the aircraft conversion, while capital-intensive, allows airlines to increase capacity quickly and sustainably without ordering entirely new freighters.
“This investment positions Ethiopian Airlines to capitalize on the expanding African air cargo market, which is projected to grow faster than global averages over the next two decades,” an aviation expert said.
Challenges ahead
Despite strong growth prospects, the airline faces several challenges, including volatility in cargo demand, high conversion and operating costs, and logistical constraints in some African markets. In addition, infrastructure limitations at smaller airports could restrict the efficiency of expanded cargo operations, particularly for oversized or specialized goods.
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Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest cargo carrier, has steadily expanded its freighter network, complementing passenger operations with dedicated cargo flights to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. The new freighters will further strengthen the airline’s capacity to serve international markets and respond to evolving supply chain needs.
“Investing in modern freighters is essential to maintain competitiveness and meet the growing demand for reliable, fast, and safe air cargo transport,” Tasew said.
With global trade increasingly reliant on rapid logistics solutions, Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet expansion is expected to reinforce Addis Ababa as a continental cargo hub while supporting Ethiopia’s broader economic strategy to boost exports, trade connectivity, and regional integration.
