Ethiopian Airlines will convert older Dash 8-400s to freighters

Ethiopian Airlines Group plans to convert some of its older De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft to freighters, it announced at the Farnborough Airshow, hoping to take advantage of more air cargo opportunities.

The group and De Havilland Canada have therefore agreed on a purchase proposal for two Dash 8-400 Freighters Large Cargo Door (F-LCD) conversion kits. Ethiopian Airlines also has a purchase option for an additional two F-LCD conversion kits, it said on July 20, 2022.

Both parties are working to finalize a definitive and binding agreement, according to a joint press statement released by Ethiopian Airlines Group and De Havilland Canada.

Ethiopian Airlines sees an opportunity to utilize older Dash 8-400 aircraft for cargo operations according to Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mesfin Tasew.

“Cargo has played a pivotal role in Ethiopian Airlines’ operations over the past couple of years and will remain a key growth pillar of our business over the coming years,” said Tasew in the joint statement. “The pandemic and subsequent recovery efforts have given rise to significant opportunities in the cargo space, and we see great value in converting our older Dash 8-400 fleet to freighters to capitalize on these growing opportunities.”