Ethiopian Airlines bolsters fleet with A350-1000

Ethiopian Airlines has announced the arrival of the continent’s first Airbus A350-1000 which landed at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport

Marked by a ceremony attended by government officials, ambassadors, diplomats and representatives from Airbus and Thales, the aircraft arrived from France alongside a payload of medical supplies valued at more than EU€100,000 (approx. US$107mn) donated by Aviation Sans Frontières in collaboration with Airbus.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Airbus A350-1000 to our fleet, solidifying our position as leaders in aviation technology,” remarked Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO. “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.”

The design of the new aircraft is described as “revolutionary” by Ethiopian Airlines and features innovative aerodynamics and a carbon-fibre fuselage that is powered by the fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. These ensure a quieter, smoother journey for long-haul travelers which is aided by Thales’ AVANT Up inflight entertainment and the HBC+ connectivity system. According to Ethiopian Airlines, this will provide travellers with luxurious amenities, spacious seating, large screens, and a unique landscape camera.

"At Thales, we are proud of our long-term partnership with Ethiopian and are delighted to have our AVANT Up system flying on the first A350-1000 in Africa. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the airline and create new opportunities to bring exceptional experiences to Ethiopian and its passengers,” said Niels Steenstrup, CEO, Thales InFlyt Experience.

The new addition has been seen as a transformative moment for Ethiopian Airlines and will set new standards for the continent’s aviation sector, aligning with the airline's Vision 2035 plan. In the coming months, it will also welcome three additional A250-1000 aircrafts to further enhance its modern fleet.

This is not the only way Ethiopian Airlines has sought to revolutionise air travel across Ethiopia and Africa this year. Recently, the company signed a contract for the design and supervision of a mega airport city that will have the capacity to serve 110 million passengers per year. Click here to learn more.