A team from Airbus led by Mr. Francois Cognard, Vice President for sales, Middle East and North Africa, said to be promoting the Airbus A330 aircraft to Ethiopian Airlines, the flag carrier of Ethiopia, according to sources.
Aircraft manufacturers hold discussions with carriers as a matter of course said Cognard declining to comment on any ongoing negotiations between Airbus and Ethiopian Airlines.
Ethiopian Airlines plans to increase the number of its aircraft form 47 to 112 according to its Vision 2025 strategy. The airline will need to acquire a number of wide body aircraft including the Dreamliner aircraft that have been on order since 2005 according to an independent aviation analyst.
Managing different fleets of aircraft may be a challenging task but Ethiopian Airlinesis considering the Airbus A330 as an option explained sources.
It is to be remembered that Ethiopian Airlines and the Boeing management are in discussions for the purchase of 5 more 787 Dreamliner aircraft according to Tewolde Gebre Mariam CEO of the airlines.
The move is part of Ethiopian Airlines’ expansion project he said. Ethiopian Airlines ordered 10 Dreamliner aircraft in 2005 and is expecting delivery of the first lot in June of this month after repeated delays.
The Boeing the 'Dream Tour' organized by Boeing to promote the Dreamliner aircraft made a stop in Addis last Sunday.
Capitan Desta Zeru flew the Dreamliner twice around Addis Ababa and landed at Bole International Airport. The Dreamliner was welcomed by government officials, Ethiopian Airlines staff, media representatives and invited guests.
Capitan Desta Zeru flew the Dreamliner twice around Addis Ababa and landed at Bole International Airport. The Dreamliner was welcomed by government officials, Ethiopian Airlines staff, media representatives and invited guests.
