Dubai, November 15, 2023 – Ethiopian Airlines Group, the leading carrier of Ethiopia, has enhanced its fleet capabilities by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for 11 more Airbus A350-900 aircraft. This agreement, announced at the Dubai Airshow, boosts Ethiopian Airlines’ total Airbus A350 orders and commitments to 33, including four A350-1000s, solidifying its status as the largest A350 operator in Africa.
The fleet currently includes 20 A350-900s, and this new commitment underscores the airline’s focus on expansion and modernization. The MoU was signed in the presence of Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, and Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, Christian Scherer.
Mr. Mesfin Tasew expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, highlighting the A350-900’s passenger-friendly features such as the quietest cabin in its class and ambient lighting. He emphasized the airline’s commitment to enhancing passenger experience through state-of-the-art technology and a growing fleet.
Christian Scherer of Airbus commended Ethiopian Airlines for effectively utilizing the A350’s capabilities for long-haul travel. He noted the strategic advantage of Ethiopia’s geographic location, offering efficient connections between China and Latin America. Scherer expressed Airbus’s delight in strengthening their relationship with Ethiopian Airlines through this fleet enhancement.
The Airbus A350 is celebrated as the most modern and efficient aircraft in the widebody category, ideal for ranges from short-haul to ultra-long-haul up to 9,700nm. Its design features advanced technologies, aerodynamics, and lightweight materials. The latest generation engines offer a 25% advantage in fuel efficiency, operating costs, and CO₂ emissions, along with a 50% reduction in noise compared to previous models.
Globally, the A350 has secured over 1,000 orders from leading airlines, marking its significance in the aviation industry. This new commitment from Ethiopian Airlines not only expands its operational capacity but also reinforces its position as a major player in African and global aviation.
This airline has always been my pride and joy since I saw one of its DC aircrafts parked at the airport when I was a young boy in the former British Protectorate of Aden decades ago during its early days. It must have been one of its DC-3 aircrafts then. It is not only my pride, but it has been the pride of Africa. It has also been very blessed to have geniuses above all geniuses managing and running its operations from top to bottom. Even the most ‘sophisticated’ smart aleck bigots and stinking commies have tried to break it apart but that proved to be utterly futile. They even launched a siege of one high jacking after another in the 1960’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s but the airline just licked its wound and came out roaring like the black mane lion on its decal. It even survived the hammer of the blood thirsty Mengistu just because he was too nincompoop to understand the economics of air transportation.
Right on Brother CEO Mesfin bin Tasew! Right on!!!