Today, Ethiopian Airlines has received delivery of its first next
generation Airbus A350-1000 aircraft – part manufactured by UK
businesses – in a deal supported by UK Export Finance (UKEF).
UKEF, in partnership with Bpifrance and Euler Hermes as
reinsurers, provided a guarantee to commercial banks extending a
loan to Ethiopian Airlines. The deal will supply a total of 4
A350-1000 aircraft to the airline over the coming months.
The A350 is powered by the Trent XWB-97 – the world's most
efficient large aero-engine – which enables the aircraft to
operate on 25% less fuel than its current closest competitor.
The wings and engines are the product of the UK aerospace
industry, which supports over 120,000 highly-skilled jobs, most
of these outside London and the south-east.
Airbus sites at Filton and Broughton design, test, and
manufacture the wings for all Airbus' A320, A330 and A350
commercial aircraft, directly supporting more than 8,000
full-time jobs and hundreds of apprenticeships. The Trent XWB is
manufactured at the Rolls-Royce site in Derby.
Boris Sakrauski, HO Customer Finance, Airbus Commercial
Aircraft, said:
Export credit agency financing continues to play an important
role in providing a wide range of financing solutions to our
customers. Airbus is very appreciative of the ongoing support
UKEF has been able to provide to Ethiopian Airlines as it becomes
the first African operator of the A350-1000.
Pat Cauthery, Divisional Head – Aerospace, Defence,
Shipping, Space, UK Export Finance, said:
We are proud to have played a part in this historic moment as the
first A350-1000 is delivered to an African airline. This deal
encompasses UKEF's vision to support UK exporters and jobs, drive
local growth and create global impact.
