Ethiopian Airlines orders Africa’s first A350-1000 aircraft

Ethiopian Airlines has upsized four of its A350-900 aircrafts on order, to the largest variant of the A350 family, the A350-1000, becoming Africa’s first customer for this passenger aircraft.

According to a press release of the airline issued on Thursday, Ethiopian has already ordered 22 A350-900s, of which 16 aircraft have been delivered. With the A350-1000 upsizing, Ethiopian Airlines backlog consists of four A350-1000s and two A350-900s.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said: “the largest variant, A350-1000, helps us to stay ahead of the curve in technology. We are the technology leaders in the continent introducing the latest technology and fuel-efficient fleet into Africa.”

Airbus Africa and Middle East President, Mikail Houari said he is proud of their strong partnership with Ethiopian Airlines — the first airline in Africa to order and operate the A350-900.

“In another first, Ethiopian Airlines is once again leading the way in Africa’s aviation sector by introducing the A350-1000, the largest version of the world’s most efficient and technologically advanced passenger aircraft,” he stated.

The Airbus A350’s clean-sheet design features state-of-the-art aerodynamics, a carbon-fibre fuselage and wings, plus the most fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.