First Ethiopian Airlines 787 Dreamliner conducts test flight

The first of the ten Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft Ethiopian Airlines ordered is in the final stages of preparation for delivery in August 2012. The first Ethiopian Dreamliner left the Boeing assembly plant in Seattle, Washington and headed to San Antonio, Texas on Thursday, July 12, 2012 to be painted in Ethiopian livery.

 The Ethiopian Dreamliner, having conducted its first test flight on Monday, July 9, 2012, will stay in San Antonio for 12 days. After being painted with Ethiopian logo, the Dreamliner will fly back to Seattle where Ethiopian will take delivery in early August.

Ethiopian Airlines will be first African carrier  to fly this much awaited, state-of-the-art aircraft.

"Ethiopian has always been a customer-focused and market driven airline and we continually invest in the latest technology such as the Dreamliner. Today we are operating the youngest fleet in Africa. With the addition of the Dreamliner, we are very proud that Ethiopian will be the first airline to offer this ultimate experience to passengers in Africa and the rest of the world." said Ato Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian.

Passengers on this aircraft will enjoy enhanced in-flight facilities such as an interior environment with higher humidity which increases comfort and convenience. Moreover, the Dreamliner will have the largest passenger windows in the sky. High ceilings and unique lighting will also enhance passenger tranquility and reduce fatigue.

Ethiopian, the fastest growing airline in Africa, is continuously striving to enhance its customers’ travel experience with a fast expanding network and the introduction of new aircraft. In the current Ethiopian fiscal year alone, Ethiopian will enter into service 14 additional new aircraft, including five ultra-modern B787 Dream liners and three B737-800s with Sky Interior.