(Addis Ababa) – Ethiopian Airlines has received its first Airbus A350-1000, marking a milestone as the first African airline to operate this largest model of the A350 family. The plane, named “Ethiopia: Land of Origins,” landed at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa on Tuesday.
At a welcoming ceremony, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew expressed optimism about the airline’s expanding role in global aviation. “With the A350-1000, we are ready to connect more destinations across five continents,” Tasew said. He also revealed that this is the first of four A350-1000 planes the airline expects to receive in the coming months, signaling Ethiopian Airlines’ ambition to maintain its leadership in African aviation and compete on a global scale.
| Airbus A350-1000 Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Passenger capacity | 395 seats (business and economy) |
| Key features | Advanced aerodynamics, carbon-fiber fuselage |
| Environmental benefit | 25% reduction in CO₂ emissions |
The A350-1000 can accommodate 395 passengers across business and economy classes, making it the largest aircraft in Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet. Its modern design, featuring advanced aerodynamics and a carbon-fiber fuselage, allows it to emit 25% less carbon dioxide than previous twin-aisle aircraft models, underscoring Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to sustainable aviation.
Hadi Akoum, a representative from Airbus, highlighted that this A350-1000 is the first operated by an Africa-based airline. He emphasized that the aircraft’s advanced technology will support Ethiopian Airlines in enhancing its premium services while reducing operating costs per seat. “This aircraft is environmentally friendly and offers the largest business class, supporting cost efficiency and premium service,” Akoum said.
Since its founding in 1946, Ethiopian Airlines has grown rapidly and currently holds a significant share in Africa’s passenger and cargo network. The airline operates a young, modern fleet, flying to over 150 destinations across five continents, positioning itself as one of the fastest growing carriers globally.
