Ethiopian Orders Rolls-Royce Trent XWB to Power A350 XWBs - 18 November, 2009

Ethiopian Airlines, the fastest growing African airline, has announced the order of Trent XWB-84 Engines at the Dubai Air show on November 15, 2009. With deliveries expected to begin in 2017, the engines are designed to power the Airbus A350 XWB aircraft at 84,000 lbs thrust. The order which is worth $540m at list price includes additional four spare engines.

Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, Girma Wake said, "As one of Africa’s leading airlines, we constantly endeavor to improve our international competitiveness to meet growing passenger demands. Our selection of low fuel burn Trent technology will enable us to do this in the most cost-effective way."

Metin Oktay, Vice President, Customer Business – Africa of Rolls-Royce, said, "We are delighted to welcome Ethiopian Airlines to the Trent family of customers. African airlines are continuing to invest in response to growing global customer demands. The Trent XWB, our latest Trent, will provide Ethiopian Airlines with leading edge technology which will keep costs to a minimum."

According to Rolls-royce, the Trent XWB specifically designed for the A350 XWB, is the most fuel efficient and environmentally sensitive large engine design on the market, with fuel efficiency ratings of 28% higher than pre-Trent generation engines.

About Ethiopian

Ethiopian Airlines, one of the largest and fastest growing airlines in Africa, made its maiden flight to Cairo in 1946.

In July 2009, Ethiopian won ‘Airline of the Year 2009’ award at African Business Award organized by the London based African Business Magazine and Common Wealth Business Council.

In August 2008, Ethiopian won the 2008 Corporate Achievement Award of Aviation & Allied Business for setting the pace towards the development and growth of the African aviation industry.

Ethiopian is also the first African carrier to win the 2008 Brussels Airport Company Award in recognition of its distinguished long haul operations witnessed through the introduction of new routes, new products, and close cooperation with Brussels Airport in marketing activities.

Ethiopian was the winner of the ‘2008 Best Airline in Africa Award’ at the African Travel Award in Lagos, Nigeria, for its excellent network and convenient connections in Africa.

For more information about this press release, please contact: 

Manager PR & Publications 
Ethiopian Airlines 
Tel: (251-1) 517-89-07 (251-1) 517-81-65 
Fax: (251-1) 661-14-74 
E-mail: publicrelations@ethiopianairlines.com