Ethiopian Receives Its First 737 Boeing Sky Interior - 23 November, 2011

Ethiopian Airlines is pleased to announce that it has received its first next-generation Boeing 737-800 with the new Boeing Sky Interior on 22 November 2011. This is the first 737-800 with Boeing Sky Interior of ten to be delivered over the next four years. "In line with our Vision 2025 strategic road map and our fleet modernization and expansion project, we are investing heavily in technologically advanced and modern airplanes,” said Mr. Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines.

“This new airplane will not only benefit Ethiopian because of its unmatched operating costs, but will also offer more comfort to our passengers. Moreover, these new aircraft generate far fewer carbon emissions than older aircraft, minimizing our carbon footprint. Our goal is to be the most environmentally friendly airline in Africa, and the new 737-800 is in line with this goal."

The new aircraft will be initially deployed on Ethiopian’s daily flight to Dar es Salaam during the day and Ethiopian’s daily flight to Riyadh at night. The Boeing Sky Interior introduces new cove lighting and curving architecture that create a distinctive entry way. Passengers will enjoy a more open cabin and a soft blue sky overhead simulated by light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, which could easily be controlled on a touch screen control board. The new interior also brings new, modern, sculpted sidewalls and window reveals to draw passengers’ eyes to the view outside the window.

The aircraft has new features such as modern overhead bins, (the first for a Boeing narrow body aircraft), advanced aerodynamics and modern passenger service unit (PSU). Outfitted with Boeing Sky Interior, the new 737-800NG has maximum reliability, efficiency, passenger appeal and optimized engine design that adds up extra comfort and style to passengers. "Ethiopian Airlines continues to prove its leadership and forward thinking in aviation throughout Africa," said Van Rex Gallard, vice president of Sales for Africa, Latin America and Caribbean for Boeing Commercial Airplanes."By making these investments in their fleet, Ethiopian Airlines is positioning itself to continue to lead aviation in Africa and becoming a leader across the globe."

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates five brand new 777-200LRs and it is the first African airline to order the Boeing 787 Dreamliner with an order for 10. Ethiopian Airlines operates an all-Boeing fleet of 737, 757, 767 and 777 airplanes in passenger service and a fleet of 757s, MD11s and 747s in cargo operations.

About Ethiopian

Ethiopian Airlines, one of the largest and fastest growing airlines in Africa, made its maiden flight to Cairo in 1946. With the addition of flight services to Milan, Ethiopian provides dependable services to 62 international destinations spanning four continents. Recently, Ethiopian received the 2011 "AFRICAN CARGO AIRLINE OF THE YEAR" Award for its excellence in air cargo.

Ethiopian won the NEPAD Transport Infrastructure Excellence Awards 2009 and the 2009 "Airline of the Year" award from the African Airlines Association (AFRAA). 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.