Ethiopian Airlines has taken delivery of Africa’s first Airbus A350-1000 aircraft in Toulouse, expanding its premium service capabilities on key international routes.
The delivery marks the first of four A350-1000s for Ethiopia’s national carrier, which already operates 21 A350 family aircraft.
The new aircraft will serve destinations including Washington D.C., London, Paris and Frankfurt.
The 395-seat aircraft features the airline’s largest business class cabin and will offer high-speed gate-to-gate connectivity through Airbus’ new HBCplus system.
Ethiopian Airlines is set to receive 14 additional A350 aircraft, including 11 A350-900s and three more A350-1000s.
The A350-1000 will share operational commonality with the carrier’s existing A350-900 fleet, streamlining pilot training and maintenance.
The aircraft’s Airspace cabin offers a 50 per cent reduction in noise compared to previous generation aircraft.
All Airbus A350s can currently operate with up to 50 per cent sustainable aviation fuel, with plans for 100 per cent capability by 2030.
Airbus has secured orders for 1,340 A350 aircraft from 60 customers worldwide as of September 2024.
