Ethiopian Airlines Places Firm Order for Five Q400 NextGen - 17 February, 2012
"The Q400 NextGen airliner has fully met our expectations for economics, performance and passenger acceptance," said Ato Tewolde Gebremariam, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines. "Of great importance to us is the aircraft's high rate of climb, single-engine service ceiling, and higher take-off weight, thus greater payload, when operating from our high altitude-hot weather airports."
"Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft have been gaining headway in Africa, where Ethiopian Airlines and ten other operators now have more than 40 of these aircraft in service or on firm order," said Mike Arcamone, President of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "Q400 aircraft are proving their high value in both the arid environment of Northern Africa and the moist environment in sub-Saharan Africa."
The Q400 NextGen aircraft is a large, fast, quiet and fuel-efficient aircraft targeted for short-haul operations by providing an ideal balance of passenger comfort, strong operating economics, and reduced emissions. Setting new environmental standards, the Q400 NextGen aircraft uses 30-40% less fuel and thereby releasing 30-40% fewer emissions.
Ethiopian Airlines has been playing a key role in bringing the different regions of Ethiopia within easy reach of Addis and neighboring countries. The Q-400 aircraft is envisioned to increase the business and tourism market of the country by enhancing its domestic and regional services. Currently, Ethiopian operates 48 aircraft, of which eight are Q400 Bombardier. This order will increase the number of Q400 NextGen operated by Ethiopian to 13.
About Ethiopian
Ethiopian Airlines, one of the largest and fastest growing airlines in Africa, made its maiden international flight to Cairo in 1946 and now the Airline provides dependable services to 64 international destinations spanning five continents.
Ethiopian is proud to be a Star Alliance Member. The Star Alliance network is the leading global airline network offering customers convenient worldwide reach and a smoother travel experience. The Star Alliance network offers more than 21,000 daily flights to 1,290 airports in 189 countries.
Ethiopian is a multi-award winner for its commitment and contributions towards the development and growth of the African aviation industry and in recognition of its distinguished long-haul operations enhanced by the introduction of new routes and products. Recently, Ethiopian won gold in the African Airline of the Year 2011/2012 Awards organized by the African Aviation News Portal. Ethiopian also received the 2011 AFRAA award for being consistently profitable over the years and has won the "AFRICAN CARGO AIRLINE OF THE YEAR 2011 Award” for its excellence in air cargo. Ethiopian also won the NEPAD Transport Infrastructure Excellence Awards 2009 and "the Airline of the Year 2009 Award" from the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).
With its acquisition of and firm orders for several new modern fleet, the airline is well positioned to pursue aggressively the implementation of its 2025 strategic plan to become the leading aviation group in Africa.
