Ethiopian gets Africa's first Boeing 787-9

The carrier’s newest Dreamliner touched down in Addis Ababa following a non-stop 8,354 mile (13,444 km) delivery flight from Boeing's Everett, facility. Ethiopian becomes the first carrier in Africa to operate the 787-9 and extends a tradition of setting aviation milestones. Ethiopian became Africa's first carrier to fly the 787-8 in 2012, and similarly introduced the 777-200LR (Longer Range), 777-300ER (Extended Range) and 777 Freighter.
"We are proud to celebrate yet another first with the introduction of the cutting-edge 787-9 into our young and fast growing fleet," said CEO Tewolde GebreMariam, "Today, the 787 is the core of our fleet with 20 aircraft in service. Our investment in the latest technology airplanes is part of our Vision 2025 strategy and our commitment to our esteemed customers to offer complete on-board comfort. We will continue to invest in the most advanced aircraft to give our customers the best possible travel experience.""Ethiopian Airlines conducted its 32nd Humanitarian Delivery Flight as part of the 787-9 delivery. In conjunction with the non-profit Seattle Alliance Outreach, Ethiopian transported goods donated by medical organizations in the U.S. to Black Lion Hospital and St. Paul Hospital in Ethiopia. 
"We are very happy to continue our longstanding partnership with Boeing to deliver medical equipment and supplies to public hospitals in Ethiopia, which benefit the society at-large," said GebreMariam. "This is our 32nd humanitarian flight over the course of the last few years. No airline has provided such sustained support to the delivery of humanitarian supplies to the African continent. It is a testament to our commitment to serve the community as a responsible corporate organization."

The  aircraft is fitted with Rolls-Royce engines.  Dominic Horwood, Rolls-Royce, chief customer officer – Civil Large Engines, said: “This is a significant selection by a valued customer that continues the Trent 1000 success story. We have real momentum in the marketplace - in the last five years the Trent 1000 has been selected in more than 60 per cent of engine competitions.”
Rolls-Royce powered the very first Boeing 787 test flight in December 2009, the first 787-8 to enter service in October 2011, and the first 787-9 to enter service, in 2014.
Ethiopian has ordered Trent XWB engines to power 12 Airbus A350 XWB aircraft and has three RB211-powered Boeing 757 aircraft in service.