By Youssef Yahya 
Ethiopian Airlines took delivery of Africa’s first Airbus A350-1000, a move that not only expands its fleet but also marks a significant moment in the continent’s aviation history. This cutting-edge aircraft promises more efficient travel and greater capacity, positioning Ethiopian Airlines as a leader ready to meet the demands of global travel.
A Ceremonial Handshake in Toulouse
On November 4, 2024, at the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France, a special ceremony was held to mark the official handover of the A350-1000 to Ethiopian Airlines. Gathered for this celebratory event were executives from both Airbus and Ethiopian Airlines, including the airline’s CEO, Mesfin Tasew.
“We are here to celebrate this monumental occasion in the history of Ethiopian Airlines and the African aviation industry,”
said Tasew, his words capturing the pride and excitement surrounding the momentous occasion.
A Delayed Takeoff, but an Exciting Arrival Awaited
Originally set to depart Toulouse early on November 5, the A350-1000’s takeoff was delayed by about an hour. But anticipation remains high for its scheduled arrival in Addis Ababa at 14:20 local time, where it will join the Ethiopian Airlines fleet and begin serving routes across its vast international network. Registered as ET-BAW, this particular aircraft holds special significance for Ethiopian Airlines and the entire continent as the first of its kind to operate in Africa.
Why Upsizing to the A350-1000 Makes Sense
The journey to acquiring this aircraft actually began in July 2022, when Ethiopian Airlines announced it was upgrading its original order of four A350-900s to the larger A350-1000 model. CEO Tasew was clear about the reasons for this bold decision:
“The A350-1000 is the best fit for our dense routes, and we believe that the upsizing will be instrumental in satisfying the increasing demand of customers in our vast global network across five continents.”
With its larger seating capacity and improved fuel efficiency, the A350-1000 is tailor-made for high-demand routes, making it ideal for Ethiopian Airlines’ ambitious growth plans. The airline’s commitment to staying ahead in aviation technology shows in their decision to upsize, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the needs of their global clientele.
A Growing Fleet to Serve the World
Ethiopian Airlines has been steadily building a world-class fleet to keep pace with its expanding network. Along with the 20 A350-900s it already operates, the airline now eagerly anticipates the delivery of 11 more A350s. The new A350-1000s, however, stand out as a testament to Ethiopian Airlines’ forward-thinking approach and readiness to offer passengers a superior travel experience.
Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’
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