Ethiopian Airlines has recently taken delivery of Africa’s first Airbus A350-1000. Since then, the brand-new aircraft has been introduced on several routes within Africa, Europe, and the Middle East as part of its promotional flights.
The African carrier plans to deploy the aircraft on key intercontinental routes, including Washington-Dulles, once a second A350-1000 joins the fleet in December.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Airbus A350-1000 to our fleet, solidifying our position as leaders in aviation technology. This aircraft embodies cutting-edge advancements, offering superior passenger comfort, enhanced fuel efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. Together, we are pioneering a sustainable future for aviation in Africa.”
Ethiopian Airlines CEO Ato Mesfin Tasew
The A350-1000’s arrival bolsters Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet, which already includes 21 A350 aircraft, with 14 more on order, including 11 A350-900s and three A350-1000s.
Business Class Features
- Direct Aisle Access: A 1-2-1 staggered configuration ensuring privacy and easy access for all 46 business class passengers.
- Safran Optima seats are equipped with adjustable ambient lighting.
- 17.3-inch 4K QLED HDR screens with Bluetooth connectivity for personal headphones.
- Ample storage, USB Type-A and Type-C charging ports, and free Wi-Fi for passengers.
The A350-1000’s Business Class product is consistent with Ethiopian’s new A350-900s, ensuring a similar experience across its long-haul fleet.
Economy Class Features
- 349 seats in a 3-3-3 configuration with ergonomic support.
- 11.6-inch 4K HDR inflight entertainment screens with USB-A and USB-C power outlets.
- Optimized seat pitch and layout for enhanced comfort on long-haul flights.
Passengers in Economy Class can enjoy high-quality inflight entertainment and connectivity options, including the aircraft’s advanced HBC+ system.
Technology Features
Ethiopian’s A350-1000 introduces several new technological features for the carrier, including Thales’ AVANT Up inflight entertainment system, offering large IFE screens, Bluetooth compatibility, and the innovative HBC+ connectivity system.
Moreover, the aircraft also boasts a unique landscape camera that provides real-time external views during the flight.
After the arrival of the second A350-1000, these aircraft will be deployed on flights to Washington, D.C., London, Paris, and Frankfurt.
All Images via Ethiopian Airlines
