Ethiopian Airlines has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787-9, becoming the first African operator of the type.
“We are proud to celebrate yet another first with the introduction of the cutting-edge 787-9 into our young and fast-growing fleet,” said Tewolde GebreMariam, group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “Today, the 787 is the core of our fleet with 20 aircraft in service. Our investment in the latest-technology airplanes is part of our Vision 2025 strategy and our commitment to our esteemed customers to offer complete on-board comfort.”
The aircraft, which is 20 feet longer than the 787-8, is on lease from AerCap.
“AerCap is very proud to deliver to Ethiopian Airlines their first 787-9 aircraft, as the airline continues to lead the way in African aviation,” said Philip Scruggs, president and chief commercial officer of AerCap. “The 787-9 will complement Ethiopian’s existing fleet of 787-8 aircraft, bringing further operational efficiencies and scope to enhance their existing network. We thank our friends and partners at Ethiopian Airlines for their continued confidence in AerCap and wish them every success as they continue to optimize their fleet.”
Ethiopian was the third airline in the world to operate the 787, taking delivery of its first 787-8 in August 2012. Its current fleet consists of six Airbus A350-900s, nine 737-700s, 16 737-800s, two 757-200Fs, six 767-300ERs, six 777-200LRs, four 777-300ERs, six 777Fs, 19 787-8s, a 787-9 and 19 Bombardier Q400s.
“We are pleased to see the 787-9 enter into Ethiopian’s growing Boeing fleet,” said Marty Bentrott, senior vice president of sales for the Middle East, Turkey, Africa, Russia and Central Asia at Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 787-9 will further enhance the Ethiopian network with its incredible range and capacity.”
As part of the new airplane’s non-stop delivery flight from Everett, Washington, to Addis Ababa, the airline has partnered with Seattle Alliance Outreach to transport goods donated by medical organizations in the US to Black Lion Hospital and St. Paul Hospital in Ethiopia.
“We are very happy to continue our longstanding partnership with Boeing to deliver medical equipment and supplies to public hospitals in Ethiopia, which benefit the society at large,” said GebreMariam. “This is our 32nd humanitarian flight over the course of the last few years. No airline has provided such sustained support to the delivery of humanitarian supplies to the African continent. It is a testament to our commitment to serve the community as a responsible corporate organization.”
More than 600 787s have been put into service since 2011, according to Boeing.