by: Enrico Casale | November 11, 2024
Ethiopian Airlines has become the first African airline to receive the Airbus A350-1000, marking a historic milestone in African aviation. The airline received the aircraft, a highly advanced aircraft with a capacity of 400 passengers, becoming the first in Africa to operate this model.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew celebrated the delivery, saying: “We are thrilled to welcome the Airbus A350-1000 to our fleet, strengthening our leadership in aviation technology. This aircraft represents cutting-edge advances in passenger comfort, fuel efficiency and environmental responsibility. Together, we are paving the way for a sustainable future for African aviation.”
The A350-1000 is the largest aircraft in Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet, with 395 seats in a two-class configuration, including 46 business class seats, an increase from the 30-seat capacity of previous aircraft. “This addition will cater to our growing premium customer base and improve our service standards,” Mesfin added.
Featuring cutting-edge aerodynamics, a carbon fiber fuselage and highly efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the A350-1000 offers a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to older twin-aisle aircraft , strengthening Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to sustainability.
The arrival of the A350-1000 is part of Ethiopian Airlines’ global expansion plan to connect destinations on five continents. “This is the first of four A350-1000s that we will receive in the coming months,” Mesfin noted.
Ethiopian Airlines’ strategic vision focuses on four pillars: human skills development, infrastructure expansion, fleet growth and technology advancement. The airline is building a new mega airport near Bishoftu, Oromia State, with a capacity to serve 110 million passengers a year, with the aim of transforming Ethiopia into a major global aviation hub. Ethiopian plans to acquire more than 125 new aircraft, working with Airbus to achieve these goals.
