2012-09-05 — /travelprnews.com/ — True to its motto “leading the way past, present and the future”, and in another milestone for the African aviation industry, Ethiopian Airlines will receive its first B777 Freighter aircraft on September 19, 2012 from Boeing at Everett, Washington. This will make Ethiopian the first to operate this ultra-modern freighter in Africa.
Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Tewolde GebreMariam said “The B777 Freighter aircraft is unparalleled in its category with its long-range capability, exceptional cargo uplift, special capabilities in temperature control for fresh produce and life science materials, and fuel efficiency. As a result, we will deploy this aircraft on longer routes for carriage of flowers, fruits, and vegetables to expand and improve our cargo services.”
Ethiopian is already the largest cargo carrier in Africa operating six dedicated freighter aircraft to 24 destinations in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. In addition, it has substantial belly-hold capacity on its passenger network.
The B777F is the first of the six firm orders Ethiopian placed in October 2011. Ethiopian will receive its 2nd B777F in October 2012 and the rest in 2014. This is inline with the cargo expansion plan to cater adequate capacity to the fast growing Ethiopian horticultural products export.
About Ethiopian
Airlines Ethiopian Airlines, the fastest growing airline in Africa, made its maiden international flight to Cairo in 1946 and now the Airline provides dependable services to 69 international destinations spanning four continents.
Ethiopian is proud to be a Star Alliance Member. The Star Alliance network is the leading global airline network offering customers convenient worldwide reach and a smoother travel experience. The Star Alliance network offers more than 21,555 daily flights to 1,356 airports in 193 countries.
Ethiopian is a multi-award winner for its commitment and contributions towards the development and growth of the African aviation industry and in recognition of its distinguished long-haul operations enhanced by the introduction of new routes and products. Recently, Ethiopian won Gold in the African Airline of the Year 2011/2012 Awards organized by the African Aviation News Portal. Ethiopian also received the 2011 AFRAA award for being consistently profitable over the years and has won the “AFRICAN CARGO AIRLINE OF THE YEAR 2011 Award” for its excellence in air cargo. Ethiopian also won the NEPAD Transport Infrastructure Excellence Awards 2009 and “the Airline of the Year 2009 Award” from the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).
With its acquisition of and firm orders for several new modern aircraft and its fast expanding network, the airline is well positioned to become the leading aviation group in Africa, per its Vision 2025 strategic roadmap.
Manager PR & Publications
Ethiopian Airlines
Tel: (+251-11) 517-89-07, (+251-11) 517-81-65
Fax: (+251-11) 661-14-74
E-mail: publicrelations@ethiopianairlines.com