Ethiopian Airlines’ B-787-9 makes maiden flight to Beijing

Ethiopian Airlines’ first Boeing 787-9 aircraft, named after Beijing, on Wednesday made its maiden commercial flight to the Chinese capital city.

On-board the new Ethiopian game changing fleet, passengers enjoyed its unique features such biggest windows in the sky, high ceiling, less noise, distinctive lighting, and higher air humidity at 40,000  feet.

Ethiopian is among the veteran carriers that started serving the People’s Republic of China back in the early 1970’s, which has translated into a flourishing commercial and bilateral cooperation between the continent of Africa and China. Currently, Ethiopian operates 30 weekly scheduled flights through its five gateways in China: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Chengdu.

Ethiopian is supporting China’s Belt and Road Initiative with its extensive and convenient network of passenger and cargo connectivity in Africa, Middle East, Asia and Europe.

Beijing is a city with profound history and tourist sites such as the Great Wall, the Palace Museum and the Temple of Heaven. Apart from these famous historical sites, Beijing is also a political and cultural centre of China.

Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the pan-African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 100 international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents.

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Ethiopian fleet includes ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Airbus A350, Boeing 787, Boeing 787-9, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-200 Freighter, Bombardier Q-400 double cabin with an average fleet age of five years. It is the first airline in Africa to own and operate these aircraft.

The airline is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2025 that will see it become the leading aviation group in Africa with seven business centres: Ethiopian Express & Ancillary Services; Ethiopian International Services; Ethiopian Cargo Services; Ethiopian MRO Services; Ethiopian Aviation Academy; ET In-flight Catering; and Ethiopian Ground Services. Ethiopian is a multi-award winning airline registering an average growth of 25% in the past seven years.