Ethiopian Airlines soars above competitors with new planes
*Deploys A350XWB on Lagos route
Tewolde Gabremariam had his work cut out for him when he took over as Ethiopian Airways Chief Executive Officer (CEO) some few years ago. Gas prices were soaring, the economy was on the verge of crumbling, and operating costs were nearly suffocating the multi-billion-dollar airline. Big and small airlines were pouring salt in the wounds of industry giants by picking up routes and capturing shares of the market which others were leaving behind.
These days, however, Ethiopian is showing signs of promise, posting profits year on year, acquiring latest, modern aircraft and competing with legacy carriers. These do not come easy, as long years of planning coupled with purposeful leadership has made the airline to be where it is today.
Ethiopian Airlines’ $175 million profit for the 2014/2015 fiscal year that was announced at the end of last year was more than what the rest of Africa’s airlines posted over the same period. The airline which has been the most profitable carrier for a couple of years now, exceeded its revenue and profit targets for the fiscal year.
As a way of showing its appreciation to the Nigerian people, the airline today deployed the newest aircraft in the world, the A350XWB on the lucrative Addis-Lagos route. The Nigerian route is very strategic to the airline as it is fast becoming the airline of choice for not only Nigerian traders, but to the elite travel public.
The extensive route network equally makes the airline a global brand catering for the travel needs of travellers across the globe.
Speaking at a ceremony to welcome the aircraft to the Murtala Muhammed Airport, General Manager of Ethiopian Airways (Nigeria), Solomon Begashaw said as a pan-African airline, Ethiopian is committed to introduce the continent with the latest and most advanced aviation technologies and systems of the century.
According to him, “Ethiopian Airbus being to roar on the African skies and beyond, the question is which city is to host this state-of-the-art aircraft first in African soil. Indeed the answer is obvious and you all are here to witness and confirm that the first African A350-900 arriving to the soil of Nigerian, particularly Lagos first time ever. It’s also another honour and milestone for Ethiopian airlines and Nigerians to welcome the first commercial flight of the A350 to the land of Lagos.”
Begashaw disclosed that Nigeria was favoured to receive the newest Aircraft in the world Airbus A350, adding that Lagos and Dubai are the first stations to receive Ethiopian Airlines Brand new Baby.
He recalled that almost four years ago, he was the host to receive Ethiopian Airlines Boeing B787 Dreamliner to Africa and to Lagos.
His words, “The fact that we are ushering in another first to Africa in a span of four years is an affirmation of our continuing pioneering role in African aviation.
“It is also a testimony of our commitment to give our passengers the very best travel experience, with the latest industry products and services. On behalf of all my colleagues at the Ethiopian family, I am delighted to see Ethiopian to continue making Africa First in Aviation Technology,”
The A350 XWB are fitted with the latest high-definition touchscreen personal monitors and a higher selection of movies, television series and audio channels. It has Inflight Wi-Fi connection.
Passengers with smart devices can connect to the world while others can use the smart individual touch screens on their seats when the internet service goes operational.
The A350 XWB’s innovative technology also improves performance in operation. Its revolutionary airframe and simplified systems have optimized fuel burn, maintenance costs and reliability, and its engines have the lowest carbon dioxide CO2 emissions of any in the wide body category.
Ethiopian has ordered 14 Airbus A350 XWB aircraft and will continue receiving the remaining 13 soon, constantly raising the number of Airbus aircraft in the fleet ensuring the extra comfort.
Google+