19-Apr-2012 12:13 PM
Ethiopian to be first African carrier to operate 787; delivery to commence in 2012
Ethiopian Airlines announced (18-Apr-2012) it will be first African carrier to operate the Boeing 787, with deliveries to start later this year. Ethiopian Airlines was the first African airline to order the 787 when it placed the order for 10 aircraft in Feb-2005. 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 aircraft in passenger service and a 757, MD11 and 747 in cargo operations. In addition, Ethiopian Airlines has six 777Fs (two to be leased from GECAS and four purchased from Boeing), two 777-300ERs to be leased from GECAS, and eight 737NGs on order. [more - original PR]