Ethiopian Airlines has ordered two Boeing 777 Freighters valued at $651.4 million, as well as exercising the option for 10 737 MAX 8s.

The commitment was announced at the Paris Air Show, and the additional 737s will make it the largest 737 MAX operator in Africa, bringing its firm orders to 30.

Ethiopian Airlines Group chief executive officer, Tewolde GebreMariam says the freighters are very important for the airline’s long term plans, saying: “Building one of the largest cargo terminals in the world and operating new-generation, high-performance aircraft reflects our commitment in expanding and supporting the exponentially growing imports and exports of our country in particular and the African continent in general.”

“The commitment to purchase two 777 Freighters is expected to boost the Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Service.”

Boeing Commercial Airplanes senior vice president – global sales and marketing, Ihssane Mounir adds: “The 777 Freighter’s range capability, combined with its enhanced cargo capacity, makes it the perfect airplane for Ethiopian to continue to profitably grow its global freighter service, linking trade routes between Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.”

The 777F is based on the 777-200LR (Longer Range) passenger aircraft and can fly 4,900 nautical miles with a full payload of 102 metric tonnes.