Ethiopian Signs Firm Order for Twelve A350 XWBs - 15 November, 2009
Ethiopian Airlines has signed a contract for the purchase of twelve Airbus A350-XWBs aircraft firming up a Memorandum of Understanding signed in Addis Ababa in July 2009.
Ethiopian Chief Executive Officer, Girma Wake and Airbus President and CEO Tom Enders, signed the firm order at the Dubai Air Show on November 15, 2009.
“We are committed to investing in industry leading technology to maintain our unrivalled reputation in Africa whilst continuing to grow” said Girma Wake, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “In placing this order today, we are ensuring our passengers highest level comfort while operating the youngest and state-of-the-art aircraft.”
On his part, Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO said, “The A350-XWB’s extra efficient and cabin-comfort will strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ position as a leader and benchmark in African aviation”
Including earlier deals, Ethiopian has 35 new airplanes on order direct from the manufacturers. Including the recent orders of five B777-200LR and twelve A350-900, Ethiopian has also on order ten Boeing B787 and eight Bombardier aircrafts. These investments will also enable Ethiopian to operate one of the youngest fleet in Africa with better comfort and efficiency.
Presently, Ethiopian operates 36 aircraft, comprising of ten B767-300ER, eight B757-200ER, two B757-260 F, two B747F, two MD-11F, five B737-700, two B737-800 and five Fokker 50 aircraft.
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
