Ethiopian Airlines takes delivery of Africa’s first A350-1000
Image copyright Airbus
The first of its kind to be operated by an african based operator, the A350-1000 will enable Ethiopian Airlines to enhance its premium service on key destinations including Washington DC, London, Paris and Frankfurt.
To date Ethiopian Airlines operates a fleet of 21 A350 Family aircraft. A total of 14 additional A350 aircraft are set to join the airline’s fleet in the coming years, including 11 A350-900 and three additional A350-1000. The A350-1000 will provide great operational commonality with the A350-900 fleet, ensuring seamless integration with shared pilots and mechanics simplifying training and maintenance processes.
With a total capacity of 395 seats, the A350-1000 will increase Ethiopian Airlines’ passenger capacity. Ethiopian Airlines will also introduce Airbus' new HBCplus satcom connectivity solution.
The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and the long-range leader in the 300-410 seater category. The A350’s clean sheet design includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort.
Ethiopian Airlines' first Airbus A350-1000 – part manufactured by UK businesses – came in a deal supported by UK Export Finance (UKEF).
UKEF, in partnership with Bpifrance and Euler Hermes as reinsurers, provided a guarantee to commercial banks extending a loan to Ethiopian Airlines. The deal will supply a total of four A350-1000 aircraft to the airline over the coming months.
The A350 is powered by the Trent XWB-97 – the world’s most efficient large aero-engine – which enables the aircraft to operate on 25% less fuel than its current closest competitor.
The wings and engines are the product of the UK aerospace industry, which supports over 120,000 highly-skilled jobs, most of these outside London and the south-east.
Airbus sites at Filton and Broughton design, test, and manufacture the wings for all Airbus’ A320, A330 and A350 commercial aircraft, directly supporting more than 8,000 full-time jobs and hundreds of apprenticeships. The Trent XWB is manufactured at the Rolls-Royce site in Derby.
Boris Sakrauski, HO Customer Finance, Airbus Commercial Aircraft, said: "Export credit agency financing continues to play an important role in providing a wide range of financing solutions to our customers. Airbus is very appreciative of the ongoing support UKEF has been able to provide to Ethiopian Airlines as it becomes the first African operator of the A350-1000."
Pat Cauthery, Divisional Head – Aerospace, Defence, Shipping, Space, UK Export Finance, said: "We are proud to have played a part in this historic moment as the first A350-1000 is delivered to an African airline. This deal encompasses UKEF’s vision to support UK exporters and jobs, drive local growth and create global impact."
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.
By the end of September 2024, 1,340 A350s had been ordered by 60 customers worldwide.
