LONDON – Ethiopian Airlines has celebrated 10 years since the delivery of its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner back in 2012.
To celebrate this, Boeing unveiled an exhibition design for educational exhibits in the mobility hall of the Ethiopian Science Museum
Commenting on this milestone was Mesfin Tasew, the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines:
“We are glad to mark a decade since we ushered in the first 787 Dreamliner into Africa, building on our pioneering role in African aviation”.
“The 787 has been instrumental in expanding our long and medium-haul flights and redefining on-board comfort for our passenger’s thanks to its advanced technology and remarkable cabin features.”
Also commenting was Omar Arekat, the VP of Sales & Marketing in the Middle East & Africa for Boeing Commercial Airplanes:
“The incredible versatility of the 787 Dreamliner has played a vital role in helping Ethiopian Airlines become Africa’s largest airline”.
“For more than 75 years, we have partnered with Ethiopian to help them build a great airline using the world’s most modern, efficient, comfortable, and sustainable products, including the 787.”
Since the first delivery of the 787 took place in 2011, more than 80 carriers around the world have used the Dreamliner, serving more than 1,900 routes and carrying nearly 700 million passengers on more than 3.3 million flights.
Ethiopian was the first airline on the continent to take delivery of the 787 and operates a combined fleet of 27 787-8s and 787-9s that play quite a role in their international business.
Continued Relationship with Boeing Aircraft…
There is a continued relationship between Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing aircraft in itself.
Around a week ago, the airline completed the first-ever conversion of a Boeing 767 Freighter in Africa, marking a milestone in the region’s cargo operations.
This aircraft is the first of three that is being completed by Israel Aerospace Industries in Addis Ababa following the launch of the 767-300ER Freighter conversion line.
The airline introduced these aircraft models in 2004. The conversion is aimed at replacing these aging airplanes with ultramodern and technologically-advanced passenger aircraft to provide the utmost comfort and convenience for passengers.
The conversion of the aircraft into a freighter also boosts the airline’s cargo shipment capacity and enhances its service.
Commenting on the conversion was Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew:
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Israel Aerospace Industries and become the first African carrier to successfully complete the passenger-to-cargo conversion of B767 aircraft.”
“As a fast-growing airline, our partnership with IAI, one of the global technology leaders in the Aerospace industry, is crucial in technology and skill transfer in the field of maintenance, repair, and overhaul.”
“Ethiopian Airlines is committed to getting closer to its customers with high-quality cargo services. In addition to our latest freighter fleets, the converted B767 aircraft will augment our growing local and international cargo destinations with more load capacities.”
“We have been working on expanding our cargo operation as demand is expected to grow with the establishment of an e-commerce hub in Addis Ababa. “
It remains clear that this relationship with Boeing will continue for years to come.
