Ethiopia’s flag carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, has taken delivery of the first of four Airbus A350-1000s from Airbus in Toulouse, France.
The first of its kind to be operated by an African-based carrier, the A350-1000 will enable Ethiopian Airlines to enhance its premium service on key destinations including Washington DC, London, Paris and Frankfurt.
AFRICA’S LARGEST AIRBUS OPERATOR
While Ethiopian Airlines operates a large number of Boeing aircraft, the airline is in fact also Africa’s largest operator of Airbus aircraft.
To date, the African airline operates a sub-fleet comprising twenty-one Airbus A350 Family aircraft.
Air Mauritius currently has four Airbus A350-900 aircraft in its fleet.
The Indian Ocean-based airline took delivery of its first Airbus A350-900 aircraft pre-Covid-19.
Air Mauritius has also confirmed an order for three additional A350 aircraft – to expand its network in Europe and South Asia.
AIRBUS A350 FAMILY
A total of fourteen additional A350 aircraft are set to join Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet in the coming years – including eleven A350-900s and three additional A350-1000s.
Significantly, the A350-1000 will provide great operational commonality with the A350-900 fleet, ensuring seamless integration with shared pilots and mechanics simplifying training and maintenance processes.
Several Airbus A350s already operate scheduled services into Africa.
In September Lufthansa launched year-round flights between Munich and Johannesburg with an Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
Last month Lufthansa also commenced seasonal flights between Munich and Cape Town with an Airbus A350-900, featuring all-new Allegris Cabin seating.
AIRBUS A350-1000
With a total capacity of 395 seats, the A350-1000 will increase Ethiopian Airlines’ passenger capacity and provide enhanced passenger experience in the largest business class cabin in the airline’s fleet.
Ethiopian Airlines will also introduce Airbus’ new HBCplus satcom connectivity solution, offering seamless, high-speed gate-to-gate connectivity.
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Airlines to establish SAF facility
STATE-OF-THE-ART AIRCRAFT
The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and the long-range leader in the 300 to 410-seater aircraft category.
The aircraft’s clean sheet design includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort.
The A350’s unique Airspace cabin is also the quietest of any twin-aisle in the sky, featuring a 50% noise footprint reduction versus previous generation aircraft.
Moreover, it offers passengers and crew the latest modern in-flight products for a comfortable flying experience.
ENHANCED SUSTAINABILITY
The aircraft’s new-generation engines and the use of lightweight materials make it the most fuel-efficient large widebody aircraft.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 aircraft is indeed already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Furthermore, Airbus aims to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.
By the end of September 2024, 1 340 Airbus A350s had been ordered by 60 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.
