European OEM Airbus has delivered the first A350-1000 to Ethiopian Airlines, the first of the type for any African operator.
The Ethiopian flag carrier has four A350-1000s on order and took delivery of the first unit at a ceremony in Toulouse, France.
Ethiopian Airlines plans to use the long-haul airliner on routes from on its premium network to destinations including Washington DC, London, Paris and Frankfurt.
Ethiopian’s A350s are configured to seat 395 passengers and feature Airbus’ Airspace cabin as well as the latest HBCplus satcom connectivity solution, which offers seamless, high-speed gate-to-gate connectivity.
The Airbus A350 can also operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend allowing Ethiopian Airlines to further work towards sustainable operations.
The Airbus A350 is powered by engines designed and built in the UK by Rolls-Royce and the wings are produced at Airbus’ wing manufacturing facility at Broughton, North Wales.
Top date, over 1,340 A350s have been ordered making it one of the most successful widebody airliners ever produced.