Ethiopian Airlines to unveil its newest aircraft the Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Abuja tomorrow

AFRICA'S largest carrier Ethiopian Airlines has announced plans to unveil its biggest aircraft the Boeing 787-9 nicknamed Big Brother in Abuja tomorrow as part of an aggressive drive to step its presence in the Nigerian aviation market.

By far the biggest African operator in the Nigerian market, Ethiopian Airlines prides itself on regularly upgrading and renewing its aircraft. Said to be looking to purchase Nigeria's own Arik Air and building a mega African airline, Ethiopian Airlines currently flies to Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Kaduna and Kano international airports in Nigeria.

Ethiopian Airlines spokesman Chukwuemeka Chigozie, said the B787-9 was part of its commitment to deliver exceptional service to African market by operating the latest technologically advanced aircraft available. He added that passengers would enjoy the unique on-board features of this latest technology aircraft like the biggest windows in the sky, high ceilings, less noise, distinctive lighting and higher air humidity.

Mr Chigozie said: “Ethiopian Airlines brought the Dreamliner B787 to Abuja in 2012 and recently, the A350 when the airport was reopened after six weeks closure. Ethiopian Airlines has been operating into Nigeria since 1960 and currently flies to five cities in Nigeria.

"It was the only international airline that flew to Kaduna when the Abuja airport was shut for repairs. Ethiopian becomes the first carrier in Africa to operate the 787-9 and extends a tradition of setting aviation milestones.”

Back in 2012, Ethiopian Airlines became Africa’s first carrier to fly the 787-8 and also introduced the 777-200LR, 777-300ER and 777 Freighter aircraft to the continent. According to the airline, the 787 Dreamliner is the most innovative and efficient airplane flying today and more than 600 Dreamliners have entered commercial services since 2011.

Mr Chigozie added that the Dreamliner has been flying almost 200m people on more than 560 unique routes around the world, saving an estimated 19bn pounds of fuel. He added that Ethiopian Airlines will continue to expand its operations with this aircraft and just this week, it entered into its sixth weekly service to and from Yaoundé and Libreville in Cameroon and Gabon.