Ethiopian Airlines is nearing an agreement to buy up to 10 long-haul Boeing freighters as plans advance for a new African hub intended to compete with Gulf carriers. The order is likely to include two current-generation 777F aircraft, with the remainder made up of Boeing's delayed 777-8F freighter, according to two industry sources. One source said the order would cover eight to 10 aircraft, subject to last-minute changes. Boeing declined to comment on the speculation, while Ethiopian Airlines had no immediate comment. International emissions rules require Boeing to stop producing the widely used 777F at the end of 2027, after sales of more than 400 aircraft. Delays to certification and development of the 777X family, including the 777-8F cargo model, have increased pressure on Boeing to keep producing the current freighter and maintain supply-chain activity. Boeing asked the Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA (U.S. aviation regulator), in December for a waiver to deliver 35 additional 777Fs, citing strong demand and delayed 777X certification. The FAA said Tuesday that the request remained pending and that no decision had been made. Boeing said the waiver would help it meet some demand until the 777-8F enters service. It was unclear whether Ethiopian's 777Fs would be delivered before or after the 2027 deadline, although one industry source said Boeing was confident the exemption would be approved. Boeing is producing two 777F freighters per month, according to a recent FAA filing.