With the delivery of its first 777-200LR in November 2010, Ethiopian will be the first airline in Africa to operate the 777-200LR.
The carrier currently operates an all-Boeing fleet, including the 737, 757, 767, MD11 Freighter and one 747 Cargo aircraft and was the first airline in Africa to order the 787 Dreamliner. Ethiopian's vision of the future includes five 777-200LRs and ten 787s, as well as 12 Airbus 350s, all of which will significantly enhance its network expansion and generate more revenue.
The 777-200LR entered service in March 2006, and has the capability to connect virtually any two cities in the world nonstop; it has a range of 14 305km and an endurance of 18 hours and carries more passengers and more revenue cargo farther than any other jetliner. The 777-200LR will enable Ethiopian Airlines to connect Addis Ababa to the US and to more destinations in Asia-nonstop. The 777-200LR can carry a full cargo load on routes where other airplanes are limited. This will give Ethiopian the capability to carry the same number of passengers farther, and with additional revenue-generating cargo. Ethiopian's 777-200LRs are configured to carry a total of 321 passengers-34 in business class, and 287 in economy.
Approximately 35% of the 777-200LR's design has been changed from earlier 777 models. New value-added technology has been added to make the world's most technologically advanced airplane even more high-tech. Each wing has been extended by 1.98m by adding raked wingtips to improve overall aerodynamic and fuel efficiency. The raked wingtips will help reduce takeoff field length, increase climb performance and reduce fuel burn.
Ethiopian Airlines 777-200LR will be powered by the General Electric GE90-115BL engine, the world's largest and most powerful commercial jet engine producing 50 000kg (110 000 pounds) of thrust. The combination of the airframe and engine will contribute to substantial savings in fuel burn for Ethiopian Airlines.
Aiming to lead the continent in its environmental stewardship, Ethiopian Airlines is currently promoting its "green" initiative to plant a tree for every passenger carried. This concern for the planet fits in well with the benefits to the environment that the aircraft provides. Thanks to a new wing, more efficient engine, and a lighter structure, the 777 makes efficient use of fuel. This, in turn, means lower emissions per passenger seat.
For every 450g of fuel conserved, 1.35kg less carbon dioxide is generated. The bottom line is that fuel efficiency is not only good for economics, it's also good for the environment.
Ethiopian Airlines is represented in South Africa by Holiday Aviation (holidayaviation.co.za).
