Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, announced: “We are delighted to partner with AerCap to bring the first Boeing 777-300ERSF to Africa. These aircraft will significantly enhance our cargo capacity and efficiency, boosting trade in the region. As demand for air freight continues to grow, Ethiopian Airlines remains committed to investing in modern, sustainable solutions that cement our position in the global cargo market.”

Aengus Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of AerCap, said: “We are delighted to deepen our long-standing partnership with Ethiopian Airlines – the first customer to operate this aircraft type in Africa – through this important transaction. With 25% more capacity than today’s smaller twin-engine long-haul freighters, the 777-300ERSF delivers significant cost efficiencies and will position Ethiopian Airlines to further expand its growing cargo platform.”

A week earlier, the carrier revealed that Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services would be joining the Freightos cargo booking platform, before the end of March, opening up visibility of its rates and capacity to freight forwarders, and giving them the opportunity to quickly book and pay in real time. Dereje Derero, Managing Director of Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services, stated: “Through our partnership with Freightos, we are enhancing our cargo services for customers, including freight forwarders worldwide, by offering digital rates, quoting, and ebooking solutions with faster access and reliable service. This further strengthens our position as the continent’s leading cargo carrier.”

Credits: Ethiopian Airlines

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The construction began on Friday, January 10, 2026, following a formal groundbreaking ceremony attended by top government officials, industry leaders and key stakeholders.

During the ceremony, the Prime Minister, together with high-level officials and Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mesfin Tasew, unveiled the project plaque, symbolising the official commencement of construction works.

At the ceremony, Ethiopian Airlines also unveiled the architectural design of the new airport and announced the successful completion of the resettlement and livelihood restoration programme for communities affected by the project. 

The airline noted that the programme was implemented to ensure that local residents were adequately supported and integrated into the development process.

Speaking at the groundbreaking, Mr Mesfin Tasew described the occasion as a defining moment not only for Ethiopian Airlines but for African aviation as a whole. 

He said the Bishoftu International Airport project represents a bold step towards transforming the continent’s aviation ecosystem.

“This is truly a proud moment for Ethiopian Airlines and for all of Africa,” Mr Tasew said. “We are embarking on a new chapter with the groundbreaking of Bishoftu International Airport that will redefine the continent’s aviation ecosystem. As we celebrate 80 years of service, this project stands as yet another milestone, underscoring our commitment to shaping the future of the African air transport industry, while supporting the growing demand for our passenger and cargo services.”

He further noted that the airport would play a strategic role in closing Africa’s aviation infrastructure gap and supporting the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). 

According to him, the new facility is expected to significantly enhance connectivity, trade and economic integration across the continent.

“Bishoftu International Airport is a major step towards addressing the infrastructural gap in Africa and a key player in implementing the AfCFTA, and at Ethiopian we are committed to realising the completion of this project,” the CEO added.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed described the groundbreaking as a milestone in Ethiopia’s journey towards modernisation and prosperity. 

He praised Ethiopian Airlines as a symbol of national pride and resilience, noting that the airline’s success has been shaped not by the absence of challenges, but by its ability to overcome them and lead by example across Africa.

The Prime Minister attributed the airline’s enduring success to its strong corporate culture, which prioritises safety and security, promotes leadership driven by creativity and hard work, and is sustained by a workforce of more than 26,000 employees who are deeply committed to the airline’s mission as Ethiopia’s flag carrier. 

He also highlighted the airline’s continuous investment in learning, training and capacity building as a critical pillar of its growth.

Bishoftu International Airport is expected to become a defining project for both Ethiopian and African aviation, serving as a major hub for passenger and cargo traffic while facilitating trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges within Africa and beyond.

Phase One of the project is scheduled for completion by 2030 and is projected to handle up to 60 million passengers annually. 

Upon full completion, the airport is expected to have the capacity to accommodate as many as 110 million passengers per year, positioning it among the largest and most significant aviation hubs in the world.

Credits: Ethiopian Airlines

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