Africa First, Ethiopian 1st B787 Dreamliner Touches down in Maputo

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – (Press Release) – Ethiopian 1st B787 Dremaliner, dubbed “Africa First” touched down at Maputo International Airport on 2 September 2012.

Ethiopian is the first airline in the world outside Japan to operate the most technologically advanced commercial aircraft. Ethiopian is pleased to introduce the Dreamliner to Maputo, ahead of major destinations in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.

Maputo, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, was selected as one the rotating destinations of Ethiopian 1 st Dreamliner, as it is fast becoming a major economic hub in Southern Africa. The city is part of Ethiopian extensive network in Africa and is connected via Addis Ababa to stations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas. Passengers to Maputo have enjoyed unparalleled on-board comfort of the Dreamliner with much less noise, the biggest windows in the sky, higher humidity and unique lighting.

Starting 20 September 2012, Ethiopian will deploy the Dreamliner on its daily flight to Washington D.C.

About Ethiopian

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.