Boeing wins freighter order, Airbus wins A321neo order

Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines announced the African carrier has ordered eight 777-8 Freighters and two 777 Freighters. The airline will pair the proven performance of the 777 Freighter with the next generation 777X capabilities of the new 777-8 Freighter to expand its Boeing freighter fleet. The order is Ethiopian Airlines’ second for the 777X airplane family, building on its purchase of eight 777-9 passenger jets that established the carrier as Africa’s first 777X customer. “This agreement marks another significant milestone in strengthening Ethiopian Airlines’ cargo capabilities while supporting the continued expansion of our global network,” said Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “The addition of the Boeing 777-8F Freighters and 777F Freighters will enhance our ability to serve customers around the world with greater payload capacity, operational flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability. As demand for cargo services continues to grow, these aircraft will play a vital role in facilitating global trade, strengthening supply chain connectivity, and further reinforcing Ethiopia’s position as a leading cargo gateway between Africa and international markets. It also marks our long-term partnership with Boeing.” With a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes, the 777-8F offers the highest payload and range capability to open new markets while reducing fuel use and delivering the lowest operating cost per tonne of any freighter. The 777F set the standard for twin-engine freighter efficiency and productivity, and Ethiopian Airlines’ 777F fleet ranks among the most highly utilized commercial airplanes in service. “Ethiopian Airlines’ order for the industry-leading 777 Freighter and new 777-8 Freighter highlights both the strength of our partnership and growing demand for air cargo worldwide,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “We appreciate Ethiopian Airlines’ continued confidence in Boeing and the 777 and 777X family of airplanes as it expands its cargo capabilities and global network. The airline continues to make history as the first in Africa to order the new 777-8 Freighter.” The 777-8F will complement Ethiopian Airlines’ freighter fleet, retaining the key features of the 777 Freighter that support efficient operations, high utilisation and reliability, including common cross-sections and walkways, and easy carriage of large outsize cargo. Ethiopian Airlines currently connects more than 70 cargo markets across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America with a fleet of: 12 777 Freighters Two 767 Freighters And four 737-800SF airplanes The new order will enable the airline to build on this network by providing greater flexibility to meet rising global demand for air cargo. FLYONE Armenia orders two Airbus A321neo aircraft (IMAGE: Airbus) FLYONE Armenia, the country’s largest carrier, has finalised an order with Airbus for the acquisition of two A321neo aircraft. The two A321neo aircraft, representing FLYONE Armenia’s first direct order from Airbus, will be powered by CFM International’s LEAP engines. Configured with a 239-seat all-economy layout, these aircraft are central to the carrier’s strategic fleet enhancement and represent a key milestone in its ambitious route network expansion. Established in 2021, the airline currently operates a fleet of 11 A320 family aircraft. “Our first direct order with Airbus marks an important and symbolic milestone in FLYONE Armenia’s development. Having two new A321neo aircraft built by Airbus specifically for our  airline reflects our continued commitment to fleet modernisation and long-term growth. We are proud to strengthen our partnership with Airbus and are confident that this investment will support not only FLYONE Armenia’s future development, but also the continued growth of Armenia’s civil aviation sector and its international cooperation,” said Aram Khachatryan, CEO of FLYONE Armenia. “This first direct order from FLYONE Armenia underscores the airline’s commitment for operational excellence and enhanced passenger comfort as it continues to expand its A320 Family fleet,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “We are very happy to welcome FLYONE as a new member of the Airbus family and we look forward to a deep and fruitful collaboration together to support their strategic growth plans.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]