Ethiopian Airlines takes delivery of its 20th A350-900 powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Addis Ababa, 29 April 2023 

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa, is pleased to announce that it took delivery of its 20^th A350-900 aircraft from Airbus on the 28th of April 2023. The delivery flight used 30% blend Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) thus reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to the ambition set by IATA, ATAG and ICAO to reach “net zero carbon emissions by 2050”. The airplane also carried 10 tonnes of humanitarian shipment into Ethiopia. 

Regarding the flight, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said, “We are glad to receive our 20^th brand new A350 aircraft from Airbus. This is another historical first for Ethiopian Airlines as it is our first flight operated with sustainable aviation fuel in cooperation with Airbus, demonstrating our commitment to realizing a sustainable air transport industry. The humanitarian shipment the ferry flight carried also signifies our commitment to discharge our social responsibility. We will continue to invest in fulfilling our corporate social responsibility by reducing carbon emissions and transporting humanitarian shipments going forward.”

“The A350-900 has proven to be instrumental in Ethiopian Airlines fleet strategy, offering unrivaled operational flexibility and efficiency and best in class passenger comfort.  The delivery of this A350-900 powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) marks yet another milestone in our relationship; working together to reduce carbon emissions across the aviation industry.” Said Mikail Houari, President Airbus Africa Middle East.

With the new delivery of the A350, Ethiopian Airlines operates 144 modern aircraft to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents.

Airbus A350-900, Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, and Bombardier Dash 8-400 double cabin are among the modern and environmentally friendly aircraft Ethiopian has in its fleet.

About Ethiopian

Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) is the fastest growing Airline in Africa. In its seventy-six plus years of operation, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivaled in efficiency and operational success. In addition to its main hub in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, it is also pursuing its multi-hub strategy through a hub in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the Pan African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian’s fleet consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900 and Bombardier Dash 8-400 double cabin with an average fleet age of seven years. In fact, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate most of these aircraft. Having achieved its strategic plan (Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2035 that will see it become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation group in the world by providing safe, secured, market driven and customer focused Passenger and Cargo Transport and Logistics Services, Aviation Training, Airport Management and Ground Services, MRO and Aerospace Manufacturing and Travel and Tourism Services. As a multi-award-winning airline, Ethiopian has been winning various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for five consecutive years. The airline has been a Star Alliance member since 2011, and has been registering more than threefold growth in the past 10 years. For additional information, please visit www.ethiopianairlines.com     

Email: CorporateCommunication@ethiopianairlines.com  

Tel: (251-11)517-8913/8165/8907  

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About Airbus

Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide the most efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus offers the most modern and fuel-efficient airliners. Airbus is also a European leader in defence and security and one of the world's leading space businesses. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.