The Magazine of Ethiopian Airlines
Mar–Apr 2016
 Issues
Special Feature

An Airline of Firsts

Ethiopian’s long history of fleet leadership.


Ethiopian Airlines has always stood at the forefront of aviation technology, introducing the most cutting-edge advances into its operations. As such, Ethiopian is often the first airline to bring the newest, state-of-the-art aircraft onto the African continent. The aviation community and the public have witnessed many “firsts” over the many years of Ethiopian Airlines’ proud history:


In 1946, Ethiopian became the first African airline to reach the skies. The first scheduled flight took off from Addis Ababa to Cairo via Asmara in a Douglas C-47 Skytrain, one of five U.S. government surplus C-47 aircraft purchased by the airline.
In 1962, Ethiopian Airlines introduced jet aircraft in Africa for the very first time by bringing on the Boeing 720B.
In the 1970s, Ethiopian Airlines consolidated its position as continental leader by phasing in Boeing 727B —the first in Africa.
In 1982, Ethiopian became the first African carrier to order the Boeing 767.
On June 1, 1984, Ethiopian Airlines became the first airline in the world to put the Boeing 767-200 ER (Extended Range) into service — flying a nonstop route from Washington, D.C., to Addis in a record flying time of 13 hours and 17 minutes.
In the 1990s, the sleek 757B aircraft was brought into operation.
In 2010, Ethiopian Airlines became the first airline to introduce to Africa the longest-range commercial airplane in the world — the Boeing 777-200LR. Also, In 2011, ET was the first airline to introduce the Boeing 737 sky-interior aircraft (not pictured).
BRIYYZ
On August 14, 2012, Ethiopian Airlines became the first airline outside of Japan to receive the technologically advanced, composite-made, comfortable and fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner into operation.
THOMAS VANDERMEIREN / BRUSSELS AIRPORT
In September 2012, ET took delivery of its first Boeing 777-200 Freighter (not pitcured). ET continues its domination in the years to come, taking delivery of the first Airbus fleet A350-900 in Africa come May 2016.
COURTESY OF AIRBUS


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Selamta, the magazine of Ethiopian Airlines, is a world-class publication providing an array of coverage as diverse as the airline and the regions it serves. Its pages feature everything from travel and culture to business and technology, celebrating Africa ascendant.

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