Chinedu Eze
Ethiopian Airlines yesterday operated its first Airbus A350-1000 aircraft from Addis Ababa to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
Ethiopian Airlines is the first country in Africa to receive the state-of-the-art aircraft, delivered from Airbus major factory in Toulouse, France few days ago amid fanfare.
The delivery has deepened the relationship between the successful East African carrier and the European plane maker.
The aircraft arrived Nigeria with 272 passengers: 15 in Business Class and 257 in Economy. The passengers testified about the sophistication and comfort of the aircraft as they disembarked and continued to take photograph of the equipment with excitement.
In a small ceremony to welcome the new aircraft to Nigeria, the General Manager of Ethiopian Airlines in Lagos, Wondwossen Beyene, said the flight was the first commercial flight of the aircraft and reiterated the commitment of Ethiopian Airlines to the Nigerian market.
“The A350-1000 boasts a revolutionary design with innovative aerodynamics and a carbon-fiber fuselage, powered by the fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, ensuring a quieter, smoother journey for long-haul travel.
“It is a game-changer in the aviation industry, boasting unparalleled comfort, efficiency, and technological advancements.
“On board, passengers will experience unparalleled comfort on this aircraft because It is the first aircraft to feature Thales’s AVANT Up inflight entertainment system and the HBC+ connectivity system, providing travelers with luxurious amenities, high speed internet connection, large screens, unique landscape camera and spacious seating with direct aisle access for all business class seats,” Beyene said.
He said the aircraft has increased cargo capacity, which enhances seamless transportation of goods and services, assuring that the aircraft will not only elevate the travel experience for passengers but also strengthen trade and economic ties between Africa and the rest of the world.
“Today’s event would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of Ethiopian Airlines’ team, and the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Lagos State Government for their unwavering support. We are expecting three more Airbus A350-1000 Aircrafts in a few months ahead,” he added.
Some of the passengers who were onboard the aircraft expressed excitement about the experience, as one of the passengers described the fight as the best experience he has ever had since he started travelling by air.
According to Airbus, A350’s has unique airspace cabin is the quietest of any twin-aisle in the sky featuring a 50 percent noise footprint reduction versus the previous generation aircraft.
Ethiopian said it was expecting the delivery of three additional aircraft type, thus reinforcing its Airbus fleet.