Ethiopian’s Airbus A350 XWB has landed for the first time in Bujumbura-Burundi this afternoon. This aircraft with a 370 passenger’s capacity also carries the reputation of the first of its kind flying African airspace and thus reinforces the position of Ethiopian Airlines as a leading airline in the aviation industry and air transport.
In his address , Kinfemichael Shegutie , Ethiopian Airlines Burundi Area Manager said : “We are gathered here for the welcoming ceremony of our first African Airbus A350XWB in Burundi , which is named as Simien Mountain.They call it a new generation aircraft and the cutting adge of the industry. This technologically advanced aircraft is part of our vision 2025”.
He added: “Ethiopian is a pioneering aviation industry in Africa and is leading the way in the aviation industry. We are proud to introduce this just 4 years after we introduced Dream Liner to lead the way again in Africawith the most luxurious aircraft of its generation”
The Minister of Transport Mr. Jean Bosco Ntunzwenimana and the Director General of the Burundi Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Emmanuel Habimana, several airport authorities, heads of different security bodies working together for the safety and security of Bujumbura International Airport and many aviation stakeholders have attended to the welcoming ceremony of this marvel of technology.
Mr. Emmanuel Habimana, the Director General of the Burundi Civil Aviation Authority insists: “It is very important that I bring to both national and international opinion that technically and in terms of security, Burundi through Bujumbura International Airport is ready to accommodate any type of aircraft flying around the world.”
The Minister of Transport, Mr. Jean Bosco Ntunzwenimana said: “On behalf of the Government of Burundi, I would like to express our joy to see Ethiopian Airlines marking a new step in bringing for the first time in Burundi, at the International Airport Bujumbura, a new type of a newly acquired aircraft by the airline company, the Airbus 350 XWB. It is a great joy to welcome in Burundi a new baby in the African air fleet through Ethiopian Airlines”
He furthermore added : “We would ask you to do everything to increase your air network from Bujumbura International Airport including connecting Burundi with eastern DRC and why not farther , Lubumbashi for example. On our hand, we promise to always be at your service and to study together all the resources that can allow you to develop better your activities on Bujumbura”
The ceremony was also marked by the Burundian culture through folk songs and dances.
Landry MUGISHA