ETHIOPIAN Airlines celebrated a historic milestone with the arrival of Africa’s first Airbus A350-1000 at Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport, becoming the continent’s only carrier to operate this largest A350 model. The new aircraft, christened Ethiopia: Land of Origins, touched down on Tuesday, marking the first of four A350-1000s scheduled for delivery in the coming months.
At the welcoming ceremony, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew highlighted the significance of the new aircraft in advancing the airline’s global footprint. ‘The A350-1000 expands our capability to connect more destinations across five continents,’ Tasew noted. ‘Adding this model to our fleet demonstrates our ambition to lead Africa’s aviation sector and strengthen our position worldwide.’
Configured to carry 395 passengers across business and economy classes, the A350-1000 is now the largest aircraft in Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet. Tasew also underscored its environmental benefits, noting, ‘With its advanced design and fuel efficiency, the A350-1000 reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 25 percent compared to older twin-aisle aircraft.’
Representing Airbus, Hadi Akoum spoke to the operational benefits Ethiopian Airlines will gain from the new model. ‘The A350-1000’s state-of-the-art technology will support Ethiopian Airlines in enhancing premium services and cutting per-seat operating costs,’ Akoum said. ‘This aircraft not only boosts passenger comfort but also aligns with modern environmental standards.’
Since its launch in 1946, Ethiopian Airlines has evolved into one of the world’s fastest-growing carriers. With over 150 destinations on five continents, the airline boasts Africa’s youngest and most technologically advanced fleet. The arrival of the A350-1000 further cements Ethiopian Airlines’ role as a leader in African aviation, setting the stage for continued growth and innovation in the years ahead.
