FIRST FOR #ETHIOPIAN – FIRST FOR #AFRICA
(Posted 30th October 2017)
(Ethiopian Airlines’ first B787-9 receives the traditional water cannon salute after landing in Addis Ababa)
Ethiopian’s newest 787 touched down in Addis Ababa following a non-stop 8,354 mile or 13,444 km delivery flight from Boeing’s Everett facility. Ethiopian becomes the first carrier in Africa to operate the 787-9 and extends a tradition of setting aviation milestones. Ethiopian became Africa’s first carrier to fly the 787-8 in 2012, and similarly introduced the 777-200LR (Long Range), 777-300ER (Extended Range) and 777 Freighter. The airline set a similar first when taking delivery of the first Airbus A350XWB.
‘We are proud to celebrate yet another first with the introduction of the cutting-edge 787-9 into our young and fast growing fleet‘ said Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines before adding: ‘Today, the 787 is the core of our fleet with 20 aircraft in service. Our investment in the latest technology airplanes is part of our Vision 2025 strategy and our commitment to our esteemed customers to offer complete on-board comfort. We will continue to invest in the most advanced aircraft to give our customers the best possible travel experience‘.
The 787 Dreamliner is one of the most efficient airplanes flying today. Since 2011, more than 600 Dreamliners have entered commercial services, flying almost 200 million people on more than 560 unique routes around the world, saving an estimated 19 billion pounds of fuel compared to the older jets they replaced.
‘AerCap is very proud to deliver to Ethiopian Airlines their first 787-9 aircraft, as the airline continues to lead the way in African aviation‘ said AerCap President and Chief Commercial Officer Philip Scruggs before concluding: ‘The 787-9 will complement Ethiopian’s existing fleet of 787-8 aircraft, bringing further operational efficiencies and scope to enhance their existing network. We thank our friends and partners at Ethiopian Airlines for their continued confidence in AerCap and wish them every success as they continue to optimize their fleet‘.
Ethiopian Airlines also conducted its 32nd Humanitarian Delivery Flight as part of the 787-9 delivery. In conjunction with the non-profit Seattle Alliance Outreach, Ethiopian transported goods donated by medical organizations in the U.S. to Black Lion Hospital and St. Paul Hospital in Ethiopia.
Said GebreMariam: ‘This is our 32nd humanitarian flight over the course of the last few years. No airline has provided such sustained support to the delivery of humanitarian supplies to the African continent. It is a testament to our commitment to serve the community as a responsible corporate organization‘.
