Ethiopian Airlines scores another first with customized Q-400 aircraft

Barely two months after making history as the second airline business in the world to take delivery of the most modern passenger jet liner, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, Ethiopian Airlines has taken delivery of the first of five reconfigured Bombardier Q-400 aircraft.

The state-owned African airline company says the aircraft was delivered to it in Toronto, Canada September 28, 2012.

According to Ethiopian, it took into consideration feedback from its customers and requested the manufacturer to reconfigure the Q-400.

“Ethiopian is now the first airline to take delivery of this aircraft with new reconfiguration. The new aircraft contains numerous innovations that will greatly enhance passenger comfort,” it says.

Unlike the previous Q-400s which were all economy, the reconfigured model have seven business class and 60 economy class seats. The new configuration also has a second lavatory, the airline announced.

The new aircraft have reclining seats in economy class cabin and a hot galley enabling the service of hot meals on regional flights. The new airplanes will also have more luggage capacity and extra overhead bin space and leg room, the carrier said.

Ideal for domestic and regional flights with a speed closer to narrow body jet airplanes the new Q-400 consumes less fuel and has lower emission.

All five re-configured aircraft are expected to be delivered before the end of 2012, the airline said.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi