On Friday, November 8, Kotoka International Airport in Accra welcomed Africa’s first Airbus A350-1000, operated by Ethiopian Airlines. The arrival of the state-of-the-art aircraft was celebrated with a traditional water salute, underscoring the airline’s continued dedication to the Ghanaian market.
Flying in from Addis Ababa, the A350-1000 touched down at 11:45 a.m. local time, carrying 395 passengers. The aircraft was parked at Gate C7 in Terminal 3.
Ethiopian Airlines now operates a fleet of 155 aircraft, including 21 A350-900s, and has 72 more planes on order, including Boeing’s newest B777X model.
Captain Firomssa Chala Gossa, who piloted the inaugural A350-1000 flight to Accra, praised the aircraft’s efficiency and performance: “The A350-1000 is both fuel-efficient and remarkably quiet. With Accra being one of our key destinations, this aircraft is the perfect fit for our operations in Africa.”
The A350-1000, which is exclusive to Ethiopian Airlines in Africa, offers 46 seats in business class and 395 in economy. It also boasts Thales’ AVANT Up inflight entertainment system, along with the HBC+ connectivity system, enhancing the passenger experience with larger screens, spacious seating, and a landscape camera. Business class passengers benefit from direct aisle access for added comfort and convenience.
Equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the A350-1000 features a carbon-fiber fuselage and advanced aerodynamics, delivering a quieter and smoother long-haul flight experience. This milestone marks a significant achievement for Ethiopian Airlines and reinforces its Vision 2035 strategy to expand and elevate its global network, setting a new standard for aviation in Africa.
Have a press release, feature, article for publication? Send it to us via Whatsapp on +233543452542.
