Ethiopian Airlines acquire 100th aircraft

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest Aviation Group in Africa, says it will take delivery of its 100th aircraft on June 5.

The airline made the announcement in a statement signed by its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tewolde GebreMariam, on Wednesday in Lagos.

GebreMariam said taking delivery of the Boeing 787-900 aircraft would make Ethiopian Airlines the first African airline to operate 100 aircraft in its fleet.

He added that it would help to maintain the airline’s pioneering aviation technology leadership role and ascertaining its leadership position in all aspects of Aviation Services in the continent.

GebreMariam said: “It is an immense honour for all of us at Ethiopian to reach the milestone of 100 aircraft.

“This milestone is a continuation of our historical aviation leadership role in Africa and a testimony of the successful implementation of our fast, profitable and sustainable growth plan, Vision 2025.

“Ethiopian was the first to avail jet service in the continent back in 1962, and operated the first African B767 in 1984, the first African B777-200LR in 2010, the first African B787-800 Dreamliner and B777-200 freighter in 2012 and the first African A350 in 2016 and the first African B787-9 aircraft in 2017.’’

According to him, the airline now operates one of the youngest and most modern 100 aircraft, with an average age of less than five years.

“Fleet modernisation and expansion is one of the four critical pillars of our Vision 2025 strategic roadmap, in support of our fast expanding network, which has now reached over 110 international destinations covering five continents.

“Our new and cutting-edge fleet composed of B787s and A350s offer unparalleled on-board comfort to our customers and offer the best possible connections when traveling within Africa and between the continent and the rest of the world.

“This 100 fleet milestone, which we have achieved ahead of our Vision 2025 targets, compels us to revise our plans with a view to phase in more aircraft,’’ he added.

GebreMariam added the airline would further expand its network to meet the growing travel needs of the African continent and support its economic development and integration by facilitating the flow of investment, trade and tourism.

“We will continue to connect more and more Africans with their fellow citizens of the continent and with their brothers and sisters in the rest of the world to make life better every single day,’’ he added.