Ethiopian Airlines will launch Airbus A350 XWB operations on its daily London Heathrow – Addis Ababa route from 14 August.

Airbus says the aircraft, Ethiopian’s first A350 and the first one for Africa, which has been named ‘Simien Mountains’, improves performance with its airframe and simplified systems to optimise fuel burn, maintenance costs and reliability. The manufacturer also says the engines have the lowest carbon dioxide emissions of any widebody aircraft.

Ethiopian Airlines country manager UK, Michael Yared says: “We are proud to be the only airline in Africa operating the ultra-modern Airbus A350. Equally myself and the team in UK are excited to have the brand new A350 aircraft on the route to meet the increased demand and look forward to showcasing the product to our valued customers, industry colleagues and partners.”

Ethiopian has 14 A350s on order, to add to its fleet of Boeing 777-200 Freighters, 777-200LRs, 777-300ERs, 787s and Bombardier Q-400s.