Ethiopian Airlines, in it’s 70th year of operation, is fulfilling its company motto: “The New Spirit of Africa”.
It is the first African airline (and second Star Alliance airline), to receive an Airbus A350XWB (on lease from the AerCap). With the delivery on 29th June 2016, Ethiopian Airlines has one of the youngest average age fleets in Africa.
As part of its pilot training. roll-out and press tour, Ethiopian Airlines revised its planned A350 operations. The A350 operations to Lagos are temporary suspend. From 15 July 2016 to 25 July 2016, planned day-time A350 operations are:
15JUL16 Addis Ababa – Harare – Lusaka – Addis Ababa
16JUL16 Addis Ababa – Jeddah, followed by Addis Ababa – Dubai (ET602/603)
17JUL16 Addis Ababa – Malabo – Douala – Addis Ababa
18JUL16 Addis Ababa – Libreville
19JUL16 Addis Ababa – Kigali – Bujumbura
20JUL16 Addis Ababa – Yaounde
21JUL16 Addis Ababa – Maputo
22JUL16 Addis Ababa – Johannesburg
23JUL16 Addis Ababa – Mahe Island (Seychelles)
24JUL16 Addis Ababa – Dubai (ET602/603)
25JUL16 Addis Ababa – Luanda
The A350 will be operating the Addis Ababa – Lagos route from 27 July 2016 to 31 July 2016. During night-time flights, the A350 operates Addis Ababa – Dubai ET600/601 service.
Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International was part of this tour. Media and invited guests where given the opportunity to see the first African A350 landing here.
ET-ATQ (c/n 40) ‘Simien Mountains’ was given the traditional welcoming first visit water cannon salute while taxing in to the gate.
Using the ‘Air Space Cabin Concept’ the aircraft has a two class layout with a total of 343 seats comprising of 30 Business Class seats and 313 in Economy.
The 2nd A350 (ET-ATR) been prepared for an August delivery. We can expect to see the other 12 Ethiopian A350s on order flying the African skies within the next three years.
Thanks to the Ethiopian Airlines Abel Alemu, Regional Manager Southern Africa, and his team for this opportunity.
