Ethiopian Airlines has marked a historic moment in African aviation by receiving the continent's first Airbus A350-1000 at Airbus's facility in Toulouse, France. This delivery not only signifies Ethiopian Airlines' pioneering role in adopting advanced technology but also underscores its commitment to enhancing its premium service offerings. The Airbus A350-1000, known as "Ethiopia: Land of Origins," was handed over in a ceremony at Toulouse Blagnac Airport on November 4, 2024.
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This aircraft, registered as ET-BAW, is the first of four A350-1000s ordered by the airline, showcasing its intent to expand its capacity and improve passenger experience significantly. Ethiopian Airlines, already Africa's largest operator of Airbus aircraft, now operates a fleet of 21 Airbus A350s, with plans to further increase this number by adding 14 more A350s in the coming years. The A350-1000 is designed to offer a superior travel experience, featuring a spacious cabin that can seat up to 395 passengers in a two-class configuration.
This model includes the largest business class cabin in Ethiopian Airlines' fleet, enhancing the comfort for premium travelers. Additionally, the introduction of Airbus's new HBCplus satcom connectivity solution ensures passengers have seamless, high-speed internet access from gate to gate, elevating the in-flight experience. Beyond comfort, the A350-1000 is celebrated for its environmental credentials. Its advanced aerodynamics, carbon-fiber fuselage, and wings, along with fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, provide a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to previous-generation twin-aisle aircraft. This aligns with Ethiopian Airlines' strategy towards sustainability, as the aircraft is capable of operating with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with Airbus aiming for full SAF compatibility by 2030.
The arrival of the A350-1000 today at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is part of Ethiopian Airlines' broader Vision 2035 strategy, which aims to position the airline as the leading aviation group in Africa. This addition not only boosts capacity for long-haul routes to destinations like Washington D.C., London, Paris, and Frankfurt but also reinforces Ethiopian Airlines' status as a trailblazer in African aviation, setting new benchmarks for efficiency, comfort, and sustainability in the industry.