Acquisition of A350-1000 aircraft by Ethiopian sets new standards for Africa’s aviation

Addis Ababa, November 5, 2024 (FBC) – The addition of A350-1000 passenger plane to the Ethiopian Airlines represents a significant leap forward in Ethiopian journey to set new standards in Africa’s aviation industry, Ethiopian Air Force Commander and Chairperson of the Ethiopian Airlines Group Management Board, Lieutenant General Yilma Merdasa, underscored.

Ethiopian Airlines, the biggest carrier in Africa, received the first A350-1000 passenger plane in Africa named: “Ethiopia: Land of Origins” from Airbus company in a ceremony held in Toulouse, France.

On the occasion, Chairperson of the Airlines, Lieutenant General Yilma said that Ethiopia is now undergoing a comprehensive reform and transformation guided by a socioeconomic growth strategy.

“With our mission at the Ethiopian Airlines, we aim to connect Africa to the rest of the world and support the continent’s economic growth,” he stated.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in his address to the parliament last week, disclosed that Ethiopia has already embarked on building a mega airport.

This new airport is projected to have the capacity to serve 130 million passengers each year, which is more than four times the current capacity of the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

The Premier also pointed out that Ethiopian Airlines has ordered 124 new modern planes, its growth that will continue to be universal.

To this effect, the delivery of Africa’s first Airbus A350-1000 is now considered a historical move to Ethiopian Airlines.

During the handover ceremony, Lieutenant General Yilma said that the addition of A350-1000 passenger plane to the Ethiopian Airlines represents a significant leap forward in Ethiopian journey to set new standards in Africa’s aviation industry.

Noting that Ethiopia is undergoing a comprehensive reform in all sectors, Ethiopian is playing its leading role in the development of the aviation industry in Africa by paving the ways to expedite economic integration in the continent.

CEO of the Ethiopian Airlines Group, Mr. Mesfin Tasew for his part said the Airline has always been the forefront of the aviation industry in Africa.

“For close to 8 decades, we have been investing continuously in cutting edge technologies, innovations and stat of the art aircrafts to ensure that the company provides the best possible services to its passengers while maintaining competitive position in the fast evolving global market.”

He stated that the addition of A350-100 aircraft plays a pivotal role in attaining its mission expressing that A350-100 aircraft is historical success of the airlines.

General Manager of Airbus International, Wouter van Wersch expressed his company’s strong desire to continue working with the Ethiopian Airlines, as called by ENA.

“We are proud to stand beside the Ethiopian Airlines, a leader not only in Africa’s aviation but also in the global stage.”

The A350-1000, renowned for its fuel efficiency and advanced technology, is the largest variant of the world’s most modern passenger aircraft.

This acquisition aligns with Ethiopian commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences and expanding its global network.

The A350-1000 will indeed enhance the airline’s long-haul operations, offering passengers a superior level of comfort and cutting-edge amenities, it was learned.

Ethiopian Airlines, a leading African aviation company, is committed to achieving annual revenue of 25 billion USD and transporting approximately 67 million passengers by 2035.

To support this goal, the airline is investing in new aircraft and expanding its international network.

Ethiopian Airlines is one of the airlines brands that is globally competitive and an airline that carries the flag for the African continent. It is not only the most successful airline in the region, but a trail blazer, which inspires other operators in Africa and beyond.