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The newly acquired Ethiopian Airways Airbus A350XWB taxis to a halt at Harare International Airport on its inaugural flght to the country yesterday

Nyemudzai Kakore Herald Correspondent
History was made yesterday afternoon when the first African-owned Airbus A350 touched down at Harare International Airport, in a clear testimony of the aviation industry’s confidence in Zimbabwe.

Ethiopian Airlines A350 XWB, dubbed the Simien Mountains, is Africa’s first generation long-range airliner which incorporates the latest technology and a revolutionary design with a carrying capacity of over 350 passengers.

The Airbus 350, which was delivered to Ethiopian Airlines on July 5, has only made six landings in Africa, with the Zimbabwe landing being the first in the Sadc region.

In a speech read on his behalf by Ministry of Transport and infrastructural Development acting transport manager Mr Nyikadzino Chifamba, permanent secretary Mr Munesushe Munodawafa said the entry of the aircraft into the Zimbabwean market should be a game changer for the travelling public as it offers a new and unparalleled flight experience.

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“This gesture by Ethiopian Airlines serves to demonstrate the confidence that it has in the Zimbabwean aviation sector and the country in general. We greatly welcome this development as it is also bolsters the spirit of regional integration through increased connectivity that this long-range aircraft will offer,” he said.

Mr Munodowafa said beyond welcoming this modern plane, Government wanted to assure Ethiopian Airlines and other airlines of its continued support of the aviation industry because of its strategic importance to national development through facilitating trade, tourism and regional integration.

All seats of the Airbus 350 are fitted with a large high definition touchscreen, with a wider selection of movies, television series and audio channels.

Other features include inflight Wi-Fi connection which will allow passengers with smart devices to connect to the world seamlessly.

Ethiopian Airlines country director Mr Alebachew Akalu said Ethiopia has continued to evolve, adapt grow and regenerate itself, thus marketing the African continent.

Ethiopia has 14 firm orders of the Airbus 350 with the first one having been received on July 5 while the remaining 13 will be delivered in batches in the next three years.

“Ethiopian is the first African airline to operate the state-of-the-art Airbus 350.This remarkable airframe was built with a feature of wider seats, lowest engine noise level, advanced air conditioning technology and full LED lighting to enhance passenger comfort,” he said.

Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructure Development and Chegutu West legislator Cde Dexter Nduna said the arrival of the Airbus 350 was laudable as it fosters continental integration, on which the African Union was founded.

Ethiopian Ambassador Mustafe Dek Abdisalam said his country was ready to contribute its own share of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.

“Aviation is an integrated value chain business and we would not have achieved such a remarkable success had it not been for the strong support of all stakeholders involved,” he said.