Dream Comes True: Ethiopian 1st Dreamliner lands in Addis Ababa

Ethiopian Airlines 1st Dreamliner touched down at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport on 17 August 2012 at 9:30 am. The Dreamliner had flown from Washington DC, Dulles international Airport, after a static display for VIPs including members of US Congress, World Bank and IMF Executives, Ambassadors, as well as members of the Ethiopian Diaspora and media.

The 1st Ethiopian Dreamliner was welcomed at Addis Ababa Airport by H.E. Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, other Ministers and State Ministers of Ethiopia, Ambassadors based in Addis Ababa, representatives of aviation stakeholders, other invited guests, the media and Ethiopian Airlines management. The aircraft received a rapturous welcome by all those present with cheers and applause by Ethiopian staff and airport employees carrying banners and flags and Ethiopian transit passengers, who happened to be at the airport on this historic occasion.
Two fire trucks shot out the traditional celebratory water shower as the airplane approached its parking area in front of the Ministerial Salon. The Dreamliner was escorted by flight crew, flight attendants and flight technicians proudly harboring the green Ethiopian uniform. A Police Marshal band was also on hand playing in the background, in honor of Africa’s first Dreamliner.
H.E Mr. Hailemariam said, “The arrival of the Dreamliner is an affirmation of Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to play a leading role in the development of our country through the provision of the best possible, reliable and fast expanding air service.”
On arrival, CEO, Tewolde G/Mariam said, “We are celebrating today the arrival of our firs 787 dreamliner on African Soil. With this arrival, Ethiopian has once again demonstrated that it continues to be the pioneer in African aviation by being the first airline in the world, outside Japan, to take delivery of the most technologically advanced commercial aircraft. This is a great success not only for Ethiopian but for the African Aviation in general.” 

Source: Ethiopian Airlines