Dubai Airshow: Ethiopian Airlines orders eleven additional Airbus A350-900s

Ethiopian Airlines signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for 11 wide-body aircraft Airbus A350-900 additional assets to add to its existing fleet, bringing the Ethiopian airline’s order book to 33 copies (including four A350-1000s).

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates a fleet of 20 A350-900s and, with this agreement signed at the Dubai Airshow, confirms its position as the largest A350 customer in Africa.

“We are delighted to make this commitment for eleven Airbus A350-900s. As a customer-focused airline, we are particularly excited about this fleet as it provides additional comfort for passengers with features such as the quietest cabin in its class and ambient lighting. We aim to expand the size of our fleet by acquiring aircraft with the latest technology to provide a convenient and memorable on-board experience to our valued passengers.“, said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew.

The A350 is Airbus’ most modern widebody aircraft in the 300 to 410 seat category, flying efficiently on all sectors, from short-haul to ultra-long-haul routes up to 9,700 nm. “Its sleek design includes cutting-edge technologies, aerodynamics, lightweight materials and the latest generation of engines which together deliver a 25% advantage in fuel consumption, operating costs and CO₂ emissions, as well as a 50% reduction in noise compared to the previous generation of competitors“, according to the European aircraft manufacturer, which has to date won more than 1,000 A350 orders from airlines around the world.

At the Dubai Airshow this week, Ethiopian Airlines also placed an order for 20 single-aisle Boeing 737 MAX-8s and 11 long-haul Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.