New Airbus A350-1000 Marks Big Milestone for Ethiopian, Set to Revolutionize Tourism: Officials

Addis Ababa November 9/2024 (ENA)-Acquiring Airbus A350-1000 Aircraft is another big milestone for Ethiopian Airlines and it will definitely bring about a change tourism sector in the country, officials at Airlines said.

Ethiopian Airlines has reached another major milestone with the arrival of Africa’s first Airbus A350-1000, a move that will significantly impact both the airline and the tourism sector in Ethiopia. 

Ethiopian Airlines Group, the largest carrier in Africa, received the state-of-the-art Airbus A350-1000 this weekend in a special ceremony attended by government officials, diplomats, ambassadors, and key representatives from Airbus.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Firiehiwot Mekonnen, Head of Ethiopian Airlines' ET-Holidays, said, “Having the Airbus A350-1000 is another significant milestone for Ethiopian Airlines.”

She explained that this aircraft is not only the first of its kind for Ethiopia but also for the entire African continent. “This reinforces Ethiopian's position at the forefront of innovation, always bringing the latest technologies to Africa,” she said.

Firiehiwot emphasized that the introduction of the Airbus A350-1000, with its advanced capacity and technology, is expected to make Ethiopian Airlines the first choice for passengers. 

“With the added capacity and the new technologies built into this aircraft, it creates a perfect opportunity to promote Ethiopia as a tourist destination,” she said, adding “Anyone flying with Ethiopian Airlines on this aircraft will experience a stopover in Ethiopia, a great chance to explore the country.”

The benefits extend beyond the airline itself, with significant positive implications for the Ethiopian tourism sector, she said.

“We are thrilled to have received this aircraft, which we’ve proudly named 'Ethiopia, Land of Origin.' It is something that all of us are extremely proud of,” Firiehiwot noted.

The head added that the Airbus A350-1000 is expected to revolutionize travel to and from Ethiopia, offering unparalleled comfort and efficiency. 

According to Firiehiwot, this new addition to the airline’s fleet will have a major impact on the tourism industry, opening up new opportunities for both inbound and outbound travel.

 

Regional Manager of Ethiopian Airlines for Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand Telila Deressa also shared his perspective on the milestone.

 He described the arrival of the Airbus A350-1000 as a “very big milestone for Ethiopian Airlines.” 

Telila elaborated on the airline’s ongoing efforts to integrate the latest technological innovations into its operations, stressing that these advancements are key to maintaining Ethiopian Airlines’ leadership in the highly competitive global aviation market. 

The arrival of the Airbus A350-1000 is a clear signal that Ethiopian Airlines is not only keeping pace with global aviation trends but also shaping the future of air travel in Africa and beyond.