A350-1000 Marks Ethiopian Airlines’ Desire to Lead, Compete in Aviation Industry Worldwide: CEO  

Addis Ababa November 5/2024 (ENA) Addition of Airbus A350-1000 has represented Ethiopian Airlines’ desire to lead the aviation industry in Africa and effectively compete worldwide, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew remarked.

Ethiopian Airlines Group, the biggest carrier in Africa, welcomed Africa’s first Airbus A350-1000 aircraft in the early hours of this afternoon at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. 

This significant milestone was celebrated in a grand ceremony attended by government officials, ambassadors, diplomats, and esteemed representatives from Airbus and Thales.

The aircraft landed at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, basking in a warm welcome marked by a spectacular water cannon salute. 

Speaking at the occasion, the Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said the addition of A350-1000 aircraft to the fleet is the historic milestone for Ethiopian Airlines and the entire African continent.

Mesfin expressed, “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.”

Ethiopian Airlines has always been the forefront of Aviation advancements and this addition to our fleet reaffirms our position as a leader in the industry, the CEO stated. 

The aircraft is built in a state of the art aerodynamics that their features translate into 25 percent reduction in fuel burn and carbon dioxide emission compared to the previous generation aircrafts, he added.

Mesfin noted that this commitment sustainability aligns with our goal of reducing our environmental impact while providing exceptional services to our passengers.

Moreover, the CEO said: “The addition of passenger A350-100 aircraft into our fleet represents our desire to continue leading the aviation sector in Africa and efficiently compete in the aviation industry worldwide.”  

The aircraft will elevate travel experience of passengers with latest technology flight entertainment systems, he pointed out, emphasizing that it will be instrumental in satisfying the increasing demand of customers in airlines’ vast global network across five continents.

Ethiopian Air Force Commander and Chairperson of the Ethiopian Airlines Group Management Board, Lieutenant General Yilma Merdasa, on his part said that the arrival of African first airbus A350-1000 aircraft marks as a significant milestone symbolizing progress, unity relentless pursuit as well as pride of Ethiopians and Africans at large.

Ethiopian Airlines stands as a bridge across Africa connecting people, cultures and beloved institutions across the continent, he stated.

“The contribution of Ethiopian airlines extend beyond air connectivity, it plays a critical role in Ethiopian economy, supporting export and import, advancing tourism and providing employment opportunities,” he stressed.

Prioritizing human skill development, making significant investment in infrastructures, enhancing regional and global connectivity, technological advancements and sustainability are critical pillars to securing its future and connecting Ethiopian Airlines as world class carrier, he underscored. 

Vice President of Commercial Africa for Airbus, Hadi Akoum on his part said “this wonderful A350-1000 is the first and the biggest twin engine aircraft acquired and delivered in Africa. It is a prefectural to illustrate the status and growth ambition of the airline internationally as a flagship carrier in Africa and abroad.”

The vice president highlighted that since its establishment, Ethiopian Airlines has continuously set the standard in African aviation, connecting communities, driving economic progress and it is a leader not only in Africa but increasingly on the global stage.

He finally reaffirmed that his organization is committed to continue as a true partner in Ethiopian Airlines Group.

Ethiopian Airlines announced that it will welcome three additional A350-1000 aircraft in the upcoming months, further enhancing its modern fleet and commitment to passenger excellence.