Ethiopian Airlines has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, making it the first African airline to operate the aircraft.

The aircraft is being leased through an agreement with AerCap and was flown directly from Boeing’s facility in Everett, Washington to Addis Ababa, a non-stop flight of 8,354 miles.

The carrier is the first in Africa to operate the 787-9, and was the first to fly the 787-8 in 2012, and the 777-200LR, 777-300ER and 777 Freighter.

Ethiopian Airlines Group chief executive officer, Tewolde GebreMariam says investing in the latest aircraft is part of its Vision 2025 strategy, and also says: “We are proud to celebrate yet another first with the introduction of the cutting-edge 787-9 into our young and fast growing fleet.”

AerCap president and chief commercial officer, Philip Scruggs says: “The 787-9 will complement Ethiopian’s existing fleet of 787-8 aircraft, bringing further operational efficiencies and scope to enhance their existing network. We thank our friends and partners at Ethiopian Airlines for their continued confidence in AerCap and wish them every success as they continue to optimise their fleet.”

Ethiopian Airlines conducted its 32nd Humanitarian Delivery Flight, working with Seattle Alliance Outreach transporting donated goods by medical organisations in the USA to Black Lion Hospital and St. Paul Hospital in Ethiopia.

GebreMariam says: “This is our 32nd humanitarian flight over the course of the last few years. No airline has provided such sustained support to the delivery of humanitarian supplies to the African continent. It is a testament to our commitment to serve the community as a responsible corporate organisation.”