Boeing has delivered its first 777-300ER aircraft in over two years, with Ethiopian Airlines receiving the aircraft in December. The 777-300ER, registered as ET-BBG, traveled from Victorville Southern California Logistics Airport to Addis Ababa Bole Airport on December 9 and arrived in Africa on December 10. This marks the first delivery of a 777-300ER since April 2022, when Boeing delivered three such aircraft to Thai Airways.
Ethiopian Airlines began using the new widebody jet on December 12 for flights between Addis Ababa and Dubai International Airport. However, during a flight on December 14, the aircraft had to return to Addis Ababa shortly after takeoff due to an onboard emergency. The Aviation Herald reported that pilots indicated a problem in the cargo hold and initiated an evacuation upon landing.
The ET-BBG is not a newly built airframe; it was initially intended for China Southern Airlines but remained stored at Victorville until Ethiopian Airlines acquired it. The aircraft features seating for business class, premium economy, and economy passengers.