Ethiopian Airlines to Continue its Aviation Technology Leadership in Africa with the First Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Leading the way once again, Ethiopian Airlines, the largest and most profitable airline group in Africa, will become the first in the continent to receive and operate the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on October 27, 2017.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is the second member of the technologically advanced, ultra-comfortable, fuel-efficient and environment-friendly 787 family that Ethiopian will be receiving. Ethiopian was the first in the world outside Japan to receive and operate the 787-8 back in August 2012.
Both the 787-8 and 787-9 offer superior and unmatched on-board comfort thanks to their unique features such as the biggest windows in the sky, high ceiling, less noise, distinctive lighting, higher air humidity as well as 20 percent less fuel. The 787-9 is 20 feet or 6 meters longer than the 787-8 and has more passenger capacity with 315 seats and more cargo space.
Group CEO Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, said: “Continuing our legacy of pioneering aviation technology in Africa, we are proud to celebrate yet another first with the introduction of the cutting-edge 787-9 into our young and fast growing fleet. Today, the 787 is our core fleet with 20 aircraft in service. Our investment in latest technology aircraft such as the 787 and A350, which makes us among the very few airlines in the world to simultaneously operate these two most cutting edge airplanes, is part and parcel of our Vision 2025 strategy and our commitment to our esteemed customers to offer the ultimate on-board comfort. We will continue to invest in latest technology aircraft with the view to avail to our customers the best possible travel experience. We invite the travelling public to join us in one of our flights to enjoy the new level of comfort of the B-787-9.”
Ethiopian Airlines currently flies to more than 100 international destinations in five continents using 93 most modern and youngest fleet, 20 of which are B787 Dreamliner, deployed on its long haul routes. It was back in 2012 that Ethiopian took delivery of its B 787 Dreamliner fleet.
About Ethiopian
Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) is the fastest growing Airline in Africa. In its seventy plus years of operation, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success.
Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the pan-African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 100 international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian fleet includes ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Airbus A350, Boeing 787, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-200 Freighter, Bombardier Q-400 double cabin with an average fleet age of five years. In fact, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate these aircraft.
Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2025 that will see it become the leading aviation group in Africa with seven business centers: Ethiopian Express & Ancillary Services; Ethiopian International Services; Ethiopian Cargo Services; Ethiopian MRO Services; Ethiopian Aviation Academy; ET In-flight Catering; and Ethiopian Ground Services. Ethiopian is a multi-award winning airline registering an average growth of 25% in the past seven years.
Source: Ethiopian Airlines
