Airbus Updates No.1515

Ethiopian Airlines takes delivery of its first A350 XWB

First African operator

29 JUNE 2016 PRESS RELEASE

Ethiopian Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-900 aircraft, opening a new chapter for the East African carrier, which also becomes the first African A350 XWB operator.  The airline’s first aircraft, on lease from AerCap, arrived in Addis Ababa on June 29th, 2016.

A350-900s with a two class layout with a total of 343 seats comprising 30 in Business Class and 313 in Economy Class. The spaciousness, quietness, beautiful interior and mood lighting in the cabin contribute to superior levels of comfort and well-being, setting new standards in terms of flight experience for all passengers.

Altogether Ethiopian Airlines has ordered 14 Airbus A350 XWBs – the world’s most modern long-haul, wide body jetliners.  Twelve of these are being directly ordered from Airbus, with the other two aircraft on lease from AerCap. 

The carrier will deploy the aircraft on its expanding route network connecting Addis Ababa with destinations in Asia and America.

The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon-fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.  Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions in addition to significantly lower maintenance costs.

 To date, Airbus has recorded a total of 802 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 42 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

Airbus Updates No.1422

Ethiopian Airlines first A350 XWB takes shape

10 NOVEMBER 2015 PRESS RELEASE

The first Airbus A350-900 for Ethiopian Airlines is taking shape on the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse, France.  Ethiopian Airlines will be the first African A350 XWB operator when it takes delivery of the aircraft next year.

Ethiopian Airlines will operate 14 A350 XWB of which 12 are directly purchased from Airbus and two are on lease from AerCap, including this first aircraft.  

Mating of the various aircraft fuselage sections has begun and the vertical stabilizer (tail fin) has been attached.   Similarly, work has begun on joining the wings, and the horizontal tailplanes to the fuselage, after which its undercarriage will be fitted. All these activities are carried out in parallel with cabin interiors installation and the first electrical power–on, enabling a significant reduction in lead-time. Following this, the aircraft will undergo a comprehensive sequence of tests. Once those are complete, the aircraft will be painted, its engines installed and preparations for delivery will begin. 

The carrier will deploy the aircraft on its expanding route network linking the East African nation with Asia and America. The Airbus A350 XWB MSN2 will be arriving at Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport on 11th November as part of its Middle East-Ethiopia demonstration flight tour.

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) will bring a step-change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft in this size category, as it uses 25 per cent less fuel and provides an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions. To date, the A350 XWB has already won 787 firm orders from 41 customers worldwide.