Ethiopian Airlines to get Africa's first Boeing 777 Freighter Ethiopian Airlines announced it will receive Africa's first Boeing 777 Freighter on September 19, 2012 from Boeing at Everett, Washington. Ethiopian Airlines will become the first carrier in Africa to operate the ultra-modern Boeing 777 Freighter. Ethiopian is the largest Cargo operator in Africa operating six dedicated freighter aircraft to 24 destinations in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. The B777F is the first of the six firm orders Ethiopian placed in October 2011. Ethiopian will receive its 2nd B777F in October 2012 and the rest in 2014. This is inline with the cargo expansion plan to cater adequate capacity to the fast growing Ethiopian horticultural products export. Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Tewolde GebreMariam said "The B777 Freighter aircraft is unparalleled in its category with its long-range capability, exceptional cargo uplift, special capabilities in temperature control for fresh produce and life science materials, and fuel efficiency. As a result, we will deploy this aircraft on longer routes for carriage of flowers, fruits, and vegetables to expand and improve our cargo services."