Ethiopian Airlines becomes first in Africa to acquire Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Ethiopian Airlines, has become the first airline operator on the African continent to take delivery of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner range of aircraft.

The state-run airline described as the fastest growing airline business in Africa said in its newsletter for August 2012 that it will take delivery of the first long awaited Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which has been named ‘First African’ on August 14, 2012 in Seattle, Washington.

“After taking delivery, ‘First African’ will fly to Washington D.C. the next day, where the aircraft will be on display. During the exhibition, First African is expected to be visited by US Senators and House Representatives as well as Ambassadors, Executives from the World Bank and IMF, members of the Ethiopian community, the media and other invited guests,” it said.

The airline will also hold celebrations in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa for the arrival of the aircraft after which destinations to be covered by the Dreamliner will be announced, the newsletter indicated.

The Boeing 787 range of aircraft provides airlines with unmatched fuel efficiency, resulting in exceptional environmental performance, the plane’s manufacturer, Boeing says on its website.

“The airplane uses 20 percent less fuel than today’s similarly sized airplanes. It will also travel at a similar speed as today’s fastest wide bodies, Mach 0.85. Airlines will enjoy more cargo revenue capacity,” Boeing says.

According to Boeing composite materials make up 50 percent of the primary structure of the 787 including the fuselage and wing.

The Dreamliner project was launched in 2004, it said.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi