De Havilland Aircraft of Canada on Saturday announced the delivery of another Dash 8-400 aircraft to Ethiopian Airlines, with the airline reaching a milestone of 32 Dash 8-400 aircraft in its fleet. Ethiopian added its first Dash 8-400 aircraft into its fleet in March 2010. The recent delivery highlights the carrier’s confidence in the aircraft in supporting its growing network across Africa.

Ethiopian is a recognized Authorized Service Facility having acquired the first Dash 8-400 simulator in Africa and just recently added a second simulator with the goal of bringing as much of its training in-house as possible, as well as being a hub for other airlines across the continent operating the Dash 8-400.

Furthermore, Ethiopian’s key strategic partnerships that include ASKY Airlines, Malawi Airlines, Ethiopian Moçambique Airlines and Tchadia Airlines are a prt of the network it has cultivated with several carriers across Africa operating the Dash 8-400 aircraft. There is currently a fleet of over 155 Dash 8 Series aircraft operating in Africa that includes more than 90 Dash 8-400 aircraft.

Owned by the government, Ethiopian began operations in 1946 with its home hub at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

My Sheba Space

When it comes time to fly, doing so safely in the midst of a pandemic has become extremely important to passengers, particularly in countries where the prevalence of vaccinations is lower. As a part of that initiative, Ethiopian Airlines unveiled a new digital option dubbed My Sheba Space that enables economy class travellers to purchase one or more empty seats on board to get extra space and relax.

The East African Airline is responding to the Covid-19 pandemic by introducing passenger safety guidelines implementing social distancing and sanitization measures in its Addis Ababa Bole International Airport hub and within the aircraft in its fleet.

With bundled on-demand services and predictive intelligence, My Sheba Space offers extra space with a top-up starting from $30. My Sheba Space requires a 72-hour window before flight time to secure an extra seat and is accessible on the Ethiopian website and mobile app for convenience.

Africa’s Aviation hub

Ethiopian Airlines recently announced that they have partnered with Boeing to make the airline’s base in Addis Ababa “Africa’s aviation hub” and to set up a manufacturing facility there to make aircraft parts.

Ethiopia already supplies some small-scale wire harnesses for Boeing aircraft. Boeing has committed to expanding local capabilities both in aerospace manufacturing and in aircraft repair and overhaul.

In addition, the partnership will promote the training of pilots and aircraft technicians at the airline’s Aviation Academy in Addis Ababa, and STEM education in Ethiopian schools.