Ethiopian Airlines has received “Africa’s first Airbus A350-1000.” The airline celebrated this significant milestone in “a grand ceremony attended by government officials, ambassadors, diplomats, and esteemed representatives from Airbus and Thales.”
According to ET, “The aircraft landed at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, basking in a warm welcome marked by a spectacular water cannon salute” that was accompanied by “a payload of medical supplies valued at over 100,000 Euros, generously donated to the Ethiopian Airlines Foundation by Aviation Sans Frontières in collaboration with Airbus.”
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said: “We are thrilled to welcome the Airbus A350-1000 to our fleet, solidifying our position as leaders in aviation technology. This aircraft embodies cutting-edge advancements, offering superior passenger comfort, enhanced fuel efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. Together, we are pioneering a sustainable future for aviation in Africa.”
ET says: “This state-of-the-art aircraft is the first to feature Thales’s AVANT Up inflight entertainment system and the HBC+ connectivity system, providing travelers with luxurious amenities, spacious seating, large screens, and a unique landscape camera. With direct aisle access for all business class seats, convenience is prioritized.”
The A350-1000 boasts “a revolutionary design with innovative aerodynamics and a carbon-fiber fuselage, powered by the fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, ensuring a quieter, smoother journey for long-haul travel.”
ET says this launch marks a transformative moment for it and “sets new standards for the African aviation sector, aligning with the airline’s ambitious Vision 2035 plan.”
Ethiopian Airlines is excited to “welcome three additional A350-1000 aircraft in the upcoming months, further enhancing its modern fleet and commitment to passenger excellence.”
It can be recalled that in 2022, ET “upsized four of its A350-900 on order to the largest variant of the A350 Family, the A350-1000” becoming Africa’s first customer for the aircraft.