Ethiopian Airlines received delivery of a Boeing 777- 200LR, making it the first African airline to possess and operate the ultra-long-range aircraft. The aircraft arrived at Bole International Airport on Saturday. In a wonderful twist Boeing, in partnership with Ethiopian airlines delivered the aircraft loaded with anesthesia equipment for Black Lion Hospital in Addis Ababa free of charge. The equipment was transported in partnership with Seattle Anesthesia Outreach. The aircraft delivery is part of Ethiopia’s five orders to Boeing Company at the cost of 1.3 billion dollars.
Ethiopian CEO Girma Wake said “since its inception, Ethiopian has been engaged in various corporate social responsibility activities which support community initiative and development efforts.We see our planes as not only a resource for our airline but also a resource of vital service for the people of Ethiopia, and when we can use that resource in a manner such as this, it truly reaffirms our commitment to undertake social responsibilities whenever and wherever we can.”
Boeing Global Corporate Citizenship for Northwest Region Director Liz Warman said, “Boeing and its airline partners have been working to fill what is sometimes empty cargo space to help bring relief to people around the globe.”