Ethiopian Airlines is set to make history with the delivery of Africa’s first Airbus A350-1000, a step that signifies both the airline’s growth trajectory and its commitment to operating one of the most modern fleets on the continent. This aircraft will join Ethiopian’s growing fleet of Airbus A350-900s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners, both known for fuel efficiency and long-haul capabilities. The A350-1000 variant, a larger and more powerful version of the A350 family, can accommodate up to 395 passengers across business and economy classes, with a more extensive business section than Ethiopian’s existing widebody configurations.
With the arrival of the A350-1000, Ethiopian Airlines plans to deploy the aircraft on high-demand routes, initially on flights from Addis Ababa to Lagos and London Heathrow. The aircraft will offer approximately 14% more seating capacity than the A350-900, boosting Ethiopian’s operational capability on routes where demand consistently outpaces seat availability, such as London-Addis Ababa, which currently has load factors over 90%
Beyond passenger capacity, the A350-1000 is also more fuel-efficient, aligning well with Ethiopian’s expansion plans and sustainability goals. Its extended range and performance features make it ideal for flights originating from high-altitude hubs like Addis Ababa, though achieving full nonstop routes to North American cities may still be limited under existing airport conditions. The delivery marks a pivotal milestone in Ethiopian’s ambitious expansion strategy, showcasing its commitment to providing state-of-the-art services to Africa and connecting it with the rest of the world through a competitive network
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