Ethiopia receives Africa’s first Boeing 777-200LR aircraft
By Tesfa-Alem Tekle
November 21, 2010 (ADDIS ABABA) – Ethiopian Airlines said on Sunday that it has received the first delivery of a Boeing 777-200LR, making the horn nation the first African carrier to own and operate using the ultra-long-range aircraft.
“With the delivery of its first 777-200LR, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to operate the world’s most technologically advanced and longest-range airplane,” Ethiopian CEO Girma Wake said adding, “This further reaffirms our commitment to be the leader of aviation in Africa’’.
Last year, Ethiopian Airlines, one of the fastest growing airlines in the industry, ordered five Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, at a cost of $1.3 billion. Saturday’s delivery was the first of the five orders.
According to the Ethiopian airliner, using the 777-200LR, the world’s most technologically advanced aircraft, the flag carrier will be able to make a non-stop flight to new long-haul destinations such as Washington, D.C. and Beijing.
General Manager of the 777 program, Larry Loftis, said that, the 777-200LR is the only airplane in the world that offers the range and efficiency Ethiopian needs to serve long-haul markets and further position Addis Ababa as a strategic hub for East Africa.
Manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes and Powered by General Electric GE90-115 engines, the 777-200LR is the world’s largest twin engine and long-range airliner with a capacity of connecting any two cities nonstop. It is the world’s largest twinjet and is commonly referred to as the “Triple Seven”.
The aircraft has seating for over 300 passengers and has a range from 5,235 to 9,380 nautical miles (9,695 to 17,370 km) depending on model.
Ethiopian Airlines is also the first airline in Africa to operate with Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Currently it has 46 aircraft operating and another 36 on order.
(ST)