(Addis Ababa) – Ethiopian Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000, marking a significant milestone as the first African airline to operate the largest model in the A350 family. The new aircraft, which landed at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa on November 5, 2024, is expected to enhance the airline’s global reach, as it prepares to connect more destinations across five continents.
The A350-1000, which has a capacity of 395 seats across business and economy classes, is now the largest aircraft in Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew highlighted that the addition of this new aircraft is part of the airline’s broader strategy to lead the aviation industry in Africa while competing effectively on the global stage.
Tasew explained that this delivery marks the first of four A350-1000 aircraft to be received by Ethiopian Airlines in the coming months. The airline’s fleet modernization, driven by the addition of the A350-1000, is expected to improve both the customer experience and operational efficiency.
The Airbus A350-1000 is built with cutting-edge technology, including advanced aerodynamics, a carbon-fiber fuselage, and fuel-efficient engines. These features are designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 25 percent compared to previous generations of twin-aisle aircraft. This environmentally friendly approach aligns with Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to sustainability while offering a more comfortable flying experience for passengers.
Hadi Akoum, a representative from Airbus, expressed pride in the delivery, noting that the A350-1000 is the first of its kind to be operated by an African carrier. He emphasized the aircraft’s role in enhancing Ethiopian Airlines’ premium service offerings while reducing operating costs per seat.
Ethiopian Airlines, which began operations in 1946, has become one of the fastest-growing carriers in the world. The airline currently operates one of the youngest and most modern fleets in Africa, serving more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. With the addition of the Airbus A350-1000, Ethiopian Airlines is poised to further cement its leadership in the African aviation sector.