Ethiopian Airlines is closing in on an agreement to purchase up to 10 long-haul Boeing freighters as it pushes forward with plans for a major African air cargo hub to challenge Gulf rivals, Reuters reports.

The prospective order is expected to include two current-generation Boeing 777Fs, with the remaining aircraft slated to be Boeing’s delayed next-generation 777-8F freighters.

According to CGTN Africa, this fleet expansion will significantly reinforce the carrier’s cargo capabilities and solidify its growing regional logistics network.