Ethiopian brings Airbus into the mix

Boeing's exclusive dominance of the Ethiopian Airlines fleet was broken this morning when the airline - one of the largest and fastest growing airlines in Africa - became an Airbus customer for the first time.

Barely a day after signing with the American manufacturer for new Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, Ethiopian signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 12 Airbus A350 XWB aircraft.

Ethiopian was the first African carrier to order the Boeing 787 with 10 aircraft. For Airbus, it selected the A350-900, and will operate from the hub in Addis Ababa, linking Africa with Europe, the US and Asia.

“The A350-900, with its high levels of passenger comfort combined with unbeatable economics perfectly fits our future fleet requirements,” said Mr Girma Wake, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “The A350-900 will bring increased capacity and range to our rapidly expanding network.”

“We are delighted to welcome Ethiopian Airlines as a new Airbus customer,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The A350 XWB will shape new levels of efficiency for medium and long haul operations, allowing Ethiopian Airlines to continue its impressive growth.”

The A350 XWB Family is Airbus’ response to widespread market demand for a series of highly efficient medium-capacity long-range wide-body aircraft. With a range of up to 8,300 nm / 15,400 km, it is available in three basic passenger versions. The A350 XWB has the widest fuselage in its category, offering unprecedented levels of comfort, the lowest operating costs and lowest seat mile cost of any aircraft in this market segment. Powered by two new generation Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines, the A350 XWB Family is designed to confront the challenges of high fuel prices, rising passenger expectations, and environmental constraints.

Firm orders for the A350 XWB now stand at 493 from 31 customers worldwide.