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06 November, 2024

Ethiopian Airlines takes delivery of Africa’s first Airbus A350-1000

Ethiopia’s national flag carrier and largest Airbus operator in Africa, Ethiopian Airlines, has taken delivery of its first of four A350-1000s from Airbus in Toulouse, France. The first of its kind to be operated by an African-based operator. The A350-1000 jet will enable Ethiopian Airlines to enhance its premium service to key destinations including Washington D.C., London, Paris and Frankfurt.

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates a fleet of 21 A350 family aircraft and 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. The 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 seamless, high-speed gate-to-gate connectivity.

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and the long-range leader in the 300-410 seater category. The A350’s clean sheet design includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort.

The A350’s unique Airspace cabin is the quietest of any twin-aisle in the sky featuring a 50% noise footprint reduction versus the previous generation aircraft. It offers passengers and crews the latest modern in-flight products for a comfortable flying experience. The aircraft’s new generation engines and use of lightweight materials make it the most fuel efficient large widebody aircraft.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.



The A350 Family offers the ultimate passenger experience even on the longest of flights. Its innovative design delivers a true feeling of spaciousness, with wide seats, high ceilings and alluring ambient lighting.

The two versions, the A350-900 and the longer fuselage A350-1000, fly efficiently on any sector from short-haul to ultra-long-haul routes up to 9,700nm, carrying 300-410 passengers in typical three-class configurations, and up to 480 passengers in a single-class layout. 

From the wing design that morphs and changes shape in flight for optimal efficiency to the Airbus-pioneered fly-by-wire flight controls and onboard systems for reduced pilot workload, the A350 is truly innovative.