Ethiopian Airlines agree deal on Boeing’s ‘dreamliner’

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, May 3, 2005 (PANA) — Ethiopian Airlines confirmed here Monday it would be the first Africa-based operator to own Boeing’s new high-tech ‘Dreamliner’ jets.

The airline said in a statement it would take to the skies with the first of its new fleet of Boeing 787 by 2008, at least two years ahead of any of its African competitors.

The agreement worth US$600 million also gives Ethiopian Airlines the right to purchase five more 787s in the future at a fixed price, presenting a further advantage over rivals, the company’s purchasing service manager, Kagnew Fisseha, said.

“No African country is agreed with Boeing to have Dreamliner jets until 2010,” he said, adding: “The first plane is scheduled for delivery to Addis Ababa during 2008, the year when the Dreamliner will be launched on the global market.”

The 787 Dreamliner jet can hold between 200 and 350 passengers.