Ethiopian Adds Fourth Boeing 777 Freighter into Its Fleet - 21 November, 2014
Ethiopian Airlines, the largest cargo operator in Africa, is pleased to announce that it has received its fourth B777-200 LR Freighter on 19 November 2014.
Ethiopian was the first in Africa to receive and operate the B777-200 LR freighter on 19 September 2012 and is still the only African operator of this modern aircraft. The aircraft, which has exceptional uplift, range and fuel efficiency, is perfectly suited for the transport of Africa’s growing import and export freight.
In line with the country’s plan to enhance the export of horticulture and floriculture products and the airline’s vision 2025 strategic road map, Ethiopian is not only expanding its fleet capacity and cargo terminal but also replacing its old aircraft with the most latest and environmentally friendly airplanes with large capacity.
The Boeing 777 Freighter is equipped with GE90 series of engines which is the world's most powerful turbofan and largest commercial engines. The engines are fitted with first ever composite fan blade in commercial aviation on the GE90. This uniquely curved blade design is lighter, more aerodynamic and larger than traditional titanium blades. The lighter blades reduce the weight of the engine and help lower fuel burn which in turn increases capacity contributing to the performance and efficiency of the aircraft.
"Our operation of new-generation, high performance aircraft and building one of the largest cargo terminals in the world reflects our commitment in expanding and improving our cargo service to support the exponentially growing imports and exports of our country in particular and the continent in general," said Mr. Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian.
Ethiopian Cargo, the largest cargo operator in Africa, currently flies to 24 freighter destinations in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe using 9 dedicated freighters, including the longest range twin-engine freighter B777-200 LR as well as MD-11 aircraft.
About Ethiopian
Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) is the fastest growing and most profitable airline in Africa. In 2014, IATA ranked Ethiopian as the largest airline in Africa in revenue and profit. In its operations in the past close to seven decades, Ethiopian has been a pioneer of African aviation as an aircraft technology leader providing the first jet service in the continent in 1962, and availing the first African B767 in 1984, the first African B777-200LR in 2010 and the first African and second only to Japan B787 Dreamliner in 2012.
Ethiopian commands the lion share of the pan-African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 83 international destinations across five continents. Ethiopian fleet includes ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as the Boeing 787, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-200LR Freighter and Bombardier Q-400 with double cabin. In fact, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate these aircraft.
Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2025 that will see it become the leading airline group in Africa with seven strategic business units: Ethiopian International Passenger Service; Ethiopian Regional Service; Ethiopian Cargo; Ethiopian MRO; Ethiopian Aviation Academy; Ethiopian In-flight Catering Service and Ethiopian Ground Service. Ethiopian is a multi-award winning, including SKYTRAX and Passenger Choice Awards in 2013 and has been registering an average growth of 25% per annum in the past seven years.
