By Ayomide Otitoju
Ethiopian Airlines has announced plans to soon introduce a new Airbus A350-1000 to its Lagos fleet. The airline’s Sales Manager, Mrs. Adetola Alabi, revealed this at the 20th Akwaaba African Travel Market, held recently in Lagos.
During her presentation titled “Ethiopian Airlines: Past, Present, and Future Innovations for Continued Leadership in Aviation,” Alabi highlighted the airline’s legacy and future goals, noting that the addition of the state-of-the-art Airbus A350-1000 would elevate the passenger experience with enhanced comfort, luxury, and advanced technology.
“The new aircraft offers a spacious cabin, wider seats, more legroom, and a premium travel experience,” Alabi said. She added that passengers would also enjoy cutting-edge entertainment systems, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a quieter, smoother flight.
Ethiopian Airlines has maintained a consistent presence in Nigeria since the country’s independence in 1960, serving the market even during challenging periods such as the Nigerian Civil War. Alabi emphasized the airline’s continued commitment to Nigerian passengers, describing the introduction of the Airbus A350-1000 as a significant milestone in improving the travel experience.
In addition to discussing the airline’s long-standing service to Nigeria, Alabi outlined Ethiopian Airlines’ Vision 2035, which aims to position the airline among the top 20 aviation groups globally. By 2035, the airline plans to operate 271 aircraft, serving 209 international and 31 domestic destinations.
Ethiopian Airlines currently serves four Nigerian cities—Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Enugu—connecting passengers to over 140 international destinations. The airline has garnered numerous awards, including the U.S. President’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the title of Best Airline in Africa for seven consecutive years.
Alabi expressed confidence in the airline’s future, reaffirming its commitment to delivering exceptional service and contributing to the growth of African aviation.