Ethiopian Airlines launch first 787-9 Dreamliner in Uganda

With the on-going expansion works at the Entebbe International Airport, opportunities of hosting the world’s special biggest Airlines is now a reality.

Ethiopian Airlines, arguably Africa’s biggest flight company continues to spread wings with fresh innovations and ideas altogether.

On Monday, 13^th November 2017, there was profound excitement at the lake side Entebbe Airport as Ethiopia Airlines and Boeing (NYSE: BA) celebrated the official delivery of the carrier’s first Boeing 787-9 in Uganda.

This follows the successful leasing of the Dreamliner through an agreement with AerCap.

The euphoric moment as staff disembarked from the 350 carrier vessel was unexplained.

This latest 787 had hours earlier touched down in Addis Ababa following a non-stop 8354 miles (13,444KM) delivery flight from Boeing’s Everett, Wash.

Mr. Tweolde GebreMariam, the Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines expressed delight as he tagged the historic launch moment as a big milestone.

‘’We are proud to celebrate yet another first with the introduction of the cutting edge 787-9 into our young and fast growing fleet. Today, the 787 is the core of our fleet with 20 air craft in service. Our investment in the latest technology airplanes is part of our vision 2025 strategy and our commitment to our esteemed customers to offer complete on-board comfort. We will continue to invest in the most advanced aircraft to give our customers the best possible travel experience’’ Tewolde stated.

The Director Airports and Aviation security Eng. John Kagoro Tusubira was the chief guest at the launch.

He therefore officially welcomed the Boeing 787-9 on board to join the market.

‘’This is a big opportunity for Uganda. This shows growth of the aviation industry in Uganda. It is also a challenge of sorts to Uganda. As Ugandans, we are ready to support and embrace Ethiopian with this latest addition in the country as our brothers and sisters’ Kagoro told the media at the launch.

Vianney Luggya expressed the gratitude for Entebbe International Airport to host such a big aircraft.

‘‘This is a great pleasure to host this aircraft at Entebbe International Airport. The passenger traffic at Entebbe is growing at a rate of 7.8 per annum. This is impressive statistics given the current rate of expanding the Airport. We thank and congratulate Ethiopian Airlines for this initiative’’ Luggya noted.

The 787 Dreamliner is the most innovative and efficient airplane family flying today.

Since 2011, more than 600 Dreamliners have entered commercial services, flying almost 200 million people on more than 560 unique route around the world, saving an estimated 19 billion pounds of fuel.

The launch was also graced by the Ethiopian Airlines country manager, Abebe Angessa.

Ethiopian Airlines operates a Boeing fleet of 737, 767, 777 and 787 airplanes in passenger service and six 777 and two 757-200 airplanes in cargo operations.

By Ssebagala Sunday