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Ethiopian Airlines has signed an agreement with Boeing for 10 new freighter aircraft, comprising eight 777-8 Freighters and two 777 Freighters, as the African carrier moves to strengthen its cargo capacity and support the expansion of its global air freight network. The agreement, announced on September 30, also includes an option for eight additional 777-8 Freighters.
The order makes Ethiopian Airlines the first African carrier to purchase Boeing’s new-generation 777-8 Freighter. The aircraft is designed to combine the capabilities of the 777X family with long-haul freighter performance. Boeing says the 777-8F will offer a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes, while providing the range and efficiency needed to support new cargo markets.
Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, said: "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."
"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."
Ethiopian Airlines currently operates 12 Boeing 777 Freighters, two 767 Freighters and four 737-800SF aircraft, serving more than 70 cargo markets across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America. The new aircraft are expected to provide additional flexibility and capacity as global demand for air cargo continues to rise.
The deal further expands Ethiopian Airlines’ relationship with Boeing and doubles its existing 777X family order book, following its earlier purchase of eight 777-9 passenger aircraft.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a SATS company, has inaugurated a new air cargo terminal at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport in France, strengthening cargo-handling capacity and consolidating its operations at one location within the airport’s CargoPort zone. The Aéroport de Lyon DC1 facility is directly connected to the airport’s airside infrastructure and has been designed to improve cargo flows, operational efficiency and supply chain reliability. The 25,313-square-metre facility, developed by logistics real estate company Prologis with Groupe em2c overseeing design, construction coordination and technical supervision, represents WFS’ second-largest operation in France after Paris Charles de Gaulle. WFS has operated at Lyon Airport since 1971 and will now centralise its local activities at the new terminal, supporting 380 customers in the region. The facility comprises 19,200 square metres of warehouse space across three cargo-handling units, including 4,400 square metres of temperature-controlled cold-storage areas. It also features 36 loading doors, including five dedicated to air freight pallet transfers, enabling smoother movement between landside access, cargo-handling areas and airside operations. The new terminal is particularly positioned to support high-value and temperature-sensitive cargo, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare products, biotechnology shipments and perishables. The development is expected to strengthen Lyon’s role in national and European logistics flows, while supporting more than 300 direct and indirect jobs associated with the facility. Laurent Bernard, Vice-President France at WFS, said: “Aéroport de Lyon DC1 represents a new milestone for WFS in Lyon, where we first commenced operations in 1971. Its design, temperature-controlled areas, and organisation of cargo flows enable us to strengthen our capacity and operational efficiency to handle sensitive and high value goods for our airline and freight forwarder customers. Given Lyon’s strategically important location, industrial base, and high-value economic sectors, this new generation of logistics infrastructure reinforces Lyon’s position in national and European logistics flows and will strengthen the economic attractiveness of the region.” The facility is also targeting a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating, with sustainability considerations incorporated into its design. Its roof is solar-ready to accommodate a future photovoltaic installation. The project brings together Aéroports de Lyon, WFS, Prologis and Groupe em2c, creating infrastructure tailored to the evolving requirements of air cargo. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Kazakhstan-based cargo airline Jupiter Jet is rebuilding its operations with the addition of a leased Boeing 757-200 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) aircraft from AerSale, marking an important step in the carrier’s plans to expand its regional and international freight network. The Boeing 757-200PCF is Jupiter Jet’s first aircraft as it resumes operations and is expected to support cargo services across Central Asia and neighbouring markets. The aircraft offers a combination of payload capability, operating economics and range, making it suitable for express cargo and e-commerce networks, particularly across the region. The addition of the freighter strengthens Jupiter Jet’s fleet and provides the carrier with increased operational flexibility as demand for reliable air cargo capacity continues to grow. Jupiter Jet serves Kazakhstan and surrounding markets, offering freight solutions across Central Asia and beyond. “We are pleased to support Jupiter Jet’s fleet expansion with this Boeing 757 freighter,” said Craig Wright, Senior Vice President and Head of Asset Management at AerSale. “The 757 remains one of the industry’s most versatile and dependable medium-haul freighters, and this lease demonstrates AerSale’s ability to provide tailored fleet solutions that help operators meet evolving market demand,” he added. For Jupiter Jet, the aircraft is expected to provide the performance and economics required to develop its expanding cargo network. The airline has retained its air operator certificate during its period of suspended operations and is now using the Boeing 757 to rebuild its presence in the regional freight market. “We are excited to add the Boeing 757 freighter to our fleet through our partnership with AerSale,” said Erik Kozbagarov, Chief Executive Officer of Jupiter Jet. “The aircraft’s performance and economics make it an excellent fit for our expanding cargo network, allowing us to better serve our customers while positioning Jupiter Jet for continued growth,” he added. The lease also adds another Boeing 757 freighter to AerSale’s growing Central Asian cargo portfolio, following its earlier agreement with Tashkent-based Stratos Freight for a Boeing 757-200 Precision Converted Freighter. AerSale’s aircraft leasing platform supports operators worldwide with fleet solutions backed by capabilities spanning aircraft and component maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), engine solutions, used serviceable material (USM) and asset management. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Airbus is set to take a major step in the development of its next-generation freighter, with the A350F scheduled to make its maiden flight on 29 September 2026 from Toulouse, France. The first flight marks a significant milestone for Airbus as it seeks to strengthen its position in the large widebody freighter market. The flight is scheduled for 10:20 a.m. local time in Toulouse and is expected to be broadcast live by Airbus. However, the manufacturer has stated that the event remains subject to operational requirements and weather conditions. The first flight-test aircraft, MSN700, registered F-WXLD, has been undergoing final ground preparations. On 24 September, the aircraft completed two high-speed rejected-takeoff tests at Toulouse, supporting preparations for its transition to flight testing. The A350F is a purpose-built freighter derived from the A350 family. Its configuration combines the forward fuselage of the A350-900 with the rear fuselage and wings of the larger A350-1000, creating a unique aerodynamic profile that requires dedicated flight testing. Airbus plans a certification campaign involving approximately 400 flight hours across two test aircraft. MSN700 will primarily support testing of aerodynamic performance, handling characteristics and the autopilot, while the second aircraft, MSN701, will focus on systems testing, including air-conditioning and fire and smoke evaluations. Airbus has indicated that certification and first customer deliveries remain targeted for 2027. The A350F is designed for a payload of more than 110 tonnes and is intended to address growing demand for efficient, modern large freighters. Its development also comes as the air cargo industry prepares for tighter emissions requirements affecting older-generation freighter designs. With the A350F competing in the emerging new-generation widebody freighter segment alongside Boeing’s 777-8F, its maiden flight will be closely watched by airlines, cargo operators and the wider global air freight industry. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
