Ethiopian CEO tours the Airline’s 787 Dreamliner ahead of delivery

While in Seattle to meet with Boeing executives to discuss delivery of the airline's first 787 Dreamliners, the CEO, Mr. Tewolde Gebremariam took a special tour of the Ethiopian first 787 to be delivered later this year.

"All of Ethiopia is excited about the delivery of our first Dreamliners and the whole country can be proud of being the first in all of Africa to receive this game-changing airplane," said Mr. Tewolde. "Taking this step forward before so many other airlines is a true testament to our drive to be the aviation leader in Africa and beyond."

Mr. Tewolde met with Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Commercial Airplanes; as well as Larry Loftis, 787 vice president and general manager; and other program leaders to discuss the airline's first delivery and to receive an update on the 787 program and production.

"With our first delivery fast approaching, it was important for me to be in Seattle to meet with the leadership team there to make sure we are on track for our delivery and see how our first airplane is progressing," said Mr. Tewolde Gebremariam.

Ethiopian Airlines was the first African airline to order the 787 Dreamliner when it placed the order for ten 787s in February 2005. Ethiopian will also be the first to operate the 787 when it takes delivery of the first aircraft later this year. Ethiopian Airlines was also the first African carrier to operate the 777-200LR (now with five in its fleet). The airline currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of 737, 757, 767 and 777 airplanes in passenger service and a 757, MD11 and 747 in cargo operations. In addition, Ethiopian Airlines has several airplanes on order in Boeing's backlog, including six 777 Freighters (two to be leased from GECAS and four purchased from Boeing), two 777-300ERs to be leased from GECAS, and eight more Next-Generation 737s.