That is to say the Wide Body
production "slots". Ethiopian has demonstrated a key characteristic.
It needs the best airplanes now, or whenever it really needs an airplane
immediately other than now.
"Tewolde
GebreMariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, said the company is in the
process of evaluating Boeing 777-X, Airbus
350-1000 and Bombardier Q400 aircraft,"
My suspicions are price and production slots will
determine the sale over what would be a better aircraft for any airline, having similar considerations. They are leveraging its capital position for reaching
its 2025 goal.
"The airline is
looking to increase its 2025 goal of $10 billion annual revenues with a
rapid expansion of its routes."
It
recently tied up the 787 early builds that were sitting at the head of Boeing's
stationary 787 line. It bought 6, 787-8's that were completed three years ago
and were heavily discounted by Boeing in its fire sale. It was time for Ethiopian
to buy and it was now, they got them!
"In June, Boeing
announced that Ethiopian Airlines ordered six 787-8 Dreamliners at
a cost of $1.3 billion in an effort to modernize and expand its fleet."
Ethiopian
has identified what it needs and what it wants. Wide Bodies, sooner rather than
later. It moved up its A-350-9 order by a year.
“… and is also discussing the possibility of an
earlier delivery from Airbus of 14 A350-900 aircraft in 2016-2017, previously scheduled for
2016-2018.”
The only conclusion is Ethiopian has
embarked on a Juggernaut’s journey for meeting its goals, and will not look back
once it arrives as the dominant airline of its region.
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