Africa’s first Airbus A350-1000 was delivered to Ethiopian Airlines yesterday (Nov. 5), representing a milestone feat for African aviation.
Airbus delivered the first of Ethiopian’s four A350-1000 orders at its headquarters in Toulouse, France. The remaining three orders will be delivered between December 2024 and March 2025.
The aircraft landed safely at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport loaded with medical supplies donated by Aviation Sans Frontières in collaboration with Airbus.
The delivery underscores Ethiopian’s commitment to passenger comfort and operational expansion. Its A350-1000 will serve long-haul destinations including Washington DC, London, Paris and Frankfurt.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele expressed his excitement over the delivery, stating:
We are thrilled to welcome the Airbus A350-1000 to our fleet, solidifying our position as leaders in aviation technology. This aircraft embodies cutting-edge advancements, offering superior passenger comfort, enhanced fuel efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. Together, we are pioneering a sustainable future for aviation in Africa.
In a statement, Airbus commented:
The first of its kind to be operated by an African based operator, the A350-1000 will enable Ethiopian Airlines to enhance its premium service on key destinations.
About the A350-1000
The A350-1000 is a widebody aircraft with capacity for 350-410 passengers, an increase of over 50 seats from the A350-900. The new A350-1000s will therefore provide the largest business class capacity in Ethiopian’s fleet.
The A350-1000 offers the world’s quietest twin-aisle cabin, wider seats and LED ambient lighting. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 turbofans, the aircraft burns 25% less fuel than its nearest competitor. The planes will feature Thales’ state-of-the-art AVANT Up inflight entertainment system and Airbus’ new HBCplus satcom technology for quick gate-to-gate connectivity.
The A350-1000 aircraft will complement Ethiopian’s fleet of 21 A350 Family aircraft. The airline will also receive a further 11 A350-900 aircraft in the coming years.
With analysts estimating a 25% increase in Africa’s fleet size by 2034, early investment in cutting-edge aircraft will put Ethiopian ahead of the curve.
Have you travelled in an A350-1000 before? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
