Boeing Lands Order For 5 777s

SEATTLE (AP) -- Boeing Co. and Ethiopian Airlines have announced an order for five 777 long range jets.

In a joint statement, the companies said Tuesday that Ethiopian is the first African carrier to order the ultra-long-range model.

The order is valued at $1.3 billion based on list prices.

The carrier is investing in the additional airplanes to expand its fleet and broaden its network. Ethiopian Airlines will use the 777-200LR to fly to new long-haul nonstop markets such as Washington, D.C., and Beijing.

The airline is currently an all-Boeing operator.