Addis Ababa: Ethiopian Airlines has reached another major milestone with the arrival of Africa’s first Airbus A350-1000, a move that will significantly impact both the airline and the tourism sector in Ethiopia. Ethiopian Airlines Group, the largest carrier in Africa, received the state-of-the-art Airbus A350-1000 this weekend in a special ceremony attended by government officials, diplomats, ambassadors, and key representatives from Airbus.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Firiehiwot Mekonnen, Head of Ethiopian Airlines’ ET-Holidays, stated that acquiring the Airbus A350-1000 is a significant milestone for the airline. She emphasized that this aircraft is not only the first of its kind for Ethiopia but also for the entire African continent. Firiehiwot highlighted that the introduction of the Airbus A350-1000, with its advanced capacity and technology, is expected to make Ethiopian Airlines the first choice for passengers.
Firiehiwot further noted that the new aircraft creates an opportunity to promote E
thiopia as a tourist destination. She mentioned that any passengers flying with Ethiopian Airlines on this aircraft will experience a stopover in Ethiopia, offering them a chance to explore the country. The benefits extend beyond the airline itself, with significant positive implications for the Ethiopian tourism sector.
The Airbus A350-1000 has been named ‘Ethiopia, Land of Origin,’ a source of pride for the nation. Firiehiwot expressed excitement about the aircraft’s potential to revolutionize travel to and from Ethiopia, providing unparalleled comfort and efficiency.
Regional Manager Telila Deressa, overseeing Ethiopian Airlines operations in Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, shared his perspective on this milestone. Telila described the arrival of the Airbus A350-1000 as a very significant achievement and elaborated on the airline’s ongoing efforts to integrate the latest technological innovations into its operations. He stressed that these advancements are crucial for maintaining Ethiopian Airline
s’ leadership in the competitive global aviation market.
The arrival of the Airbus A350-1000 signals that Ethiopian Airlines is not only keeping pace with global aviation trends but also actively shaping the future of air travel in Africa and beyond.