Africa’s First Ethiopian A350 to Go Green for St. Patrick’s Day March 8, 2017

Africa’s largest airline group, Ethiopian Airlines, proudly announces that it will be part of the annual Global Greening initiative of St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, 2017. 

As part of the "Greenification of the World" campaign, launched by the Irish Tourism Board eight years ago, Africa’s first Ethiopian A350 will join a string of world landmarks in this campaign, including:  New York’s World Trade Center, City Hall and Heron Tower in London, Plaça de Catalunya and the fountains on Gran Via in Barcelona, Pozzo di San Patrizio in Italy, Matsue Castle in Japan and the Diamond Bridge in South Korea.

The A350 XWB is one of the most comfortable, technologically innovative and fuel-efficient aircraft in the market today, providing exceptional levels of luxury and reliability combined with the latest technology for a totally unique passenger experience.

Ethiopian Group CEO Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam remarks, “We are proud to join the world global landmarks for St. Patrick’s Day greening Africa’s first A350 XWB; our latest and game changing flying machine. The A350 is among the notable landmarks in Ethiopian 70-year history, with which Ethiopian has pioneered the extra effect to the African continent. Moreover, this collaboration is a continuation of the long standing social, cultural and economic collaboration between Ethiopia and the People of Ireland. I wish all a happy festivity.”

The Axum Obelisks, symbol of the wealth and civilization of the ancient Ethiopian Axumite Kingdom, were turned green back in 2015. Ethiopian Airlines launched the first and only direct air route linking Africa with Ireland in 2015.

Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) is the fastest growing Airline in Africa. In its seven decades of operation, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success.

Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the pan-African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 90 international destinations across five continents. Ethiopian fleet includes ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Airbus A350, Boeing 787, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-200 Freighter, Bombardier Q-400 double cabin with an average fleet age of five years. In fact, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate these aircraft.

Ethiopian 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 centers: Ethiopian Domestic and Regional Airline; Ethiopian International Passenger Airline; Ethiopian Cargo; Ethiopian MRO; Ethiopian Aviation Academy; Ethiopian In-flight Catering Services; and Ethiopian Ground Service. Ethiopian is a multi-award winning airline registering an average growth of 25% in the past seven years.

For more information about this press release, please contact:

Mrs. Hanna Atnafu

Manager Corporate Communications

Ethiopian Airlines

Tel: (251-1) 517-89-07/656/165/913/529