Ethiopian Airlines pioneers with Airbus A350-1000
Ethiopian Airlines has taken delivery of its first of four A350-1000 from the aircraft’s manufacturing hub in Toulouse, France. According to Airbus, the A350-1000 will enable Ethiopian Airlines to enhance its premium service on key destinations including Washington D.C., London, Paris and Frankfurt.
To date Ethiopian Airlines operates a fleet of 21 A350 aircraft. A total of 14 additional A350 aircraft are set to join the airline’s fleet in the coming years, including 11 A350-900 and three additional A350-1000.
In an update, the aircraft maker said Ethiopian Airlines’ A350-1000 will provide great operational commonality with the A350-900 fleet, ensuring seamless integration with shared pilots and mechanics simplifying training and maintenance processes.
With a total capacity of 395 seats, the A350-1000 will increase Ethiopian Airlines’ passenger capacity and provide enhanced passenger experience in the largest business class cabin in the airline’s fleet.
Ethiopian Airlines will also introduce Airbus’ new HBCplus satcom connectivity solution, offering high-speed gate-to-gate connectivity.
The A350 is a widebody aircraft and the long-range leader in the 300-410 seater category. The A350’s design includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering efficiency and comfort.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100 percent SAF capable by 2030.
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