Ethiopian Airlines deploys Africa’s first Airbus A350 XWB

Ethiopian Airlines will be the first African airline to fly the Airbus A350 XWB, which it will use on its Lagos and Dubai routes. It offers 313 seats in economy class (in a 3-3-3 configuration) and 30 seats in business class (in 2-2-2 configuration).

 

Abel Alemu, Ethiopian Airlines regional manager for Southern Africa, told eTNW the aircraft would mainly be deployed on long-range intercontinental flights. “This includes flights to North and South America as well the Far East,” he said.

 

The airline expects to take delivery of another 13 A350 XWBs the next three years.

 

“These aircraft will operate to destinations with huge passenger traffic, including Johannesburg, Lagos and Dubai,” said Abel.

 

Ethiopian Group ceo, Ato Tewolde Gebremariam, added: “The Airbus 350 XWB will enable us to further expand our service quality – especially on long-haul flights – and strengthen our connectivity with the least carbon emissions to our planet."

 

The A350 provided new features such as wider seats in both business and economy classes, the lowest twin-engine noise level, advanced air-conditioning technology, and full LED mood lighting to enhance comfort while reducing fatigue after a long flight, Ato added.