Aerospace

Ethiopian Airlines orders Africa’s first A350-1000

The largest airline company in Africa, Ethiopian Airlines Group, has upgraded four of its A350-900 orders to the A350-1000, the largest model in the A350 Family

The largest airline company in Africa, Ethiopian Airlines Group, has upgraded four of its A350-900 orders to the A350-1000, the largest model in the A350 Family, making it the continent’s first user of the aircraft.22 A350-900s have previously been ordered by Ethiopian Airlines, 16 of which have already been delivered. Ethiopian Airlines now has a backlog of four A350-1000s and two A350-900s with the A350-1000 upsizing.

Ethiopian Airlines

By launching the A350-1000, the largest model of the world’s most effective and technologically advanced passenger aircraft. Ethiopian Airlines is once again setting a standard in Africa’s aviation industry, remarked by Mikail Houari, president of Airbus Africa and the Middle East.

A350-1000 to its fleet of modern wide-body aircraft

The A350-900 has offered unparalleled operational flexibility and efficiency, from short to ultra-long range operations, combined with remarkable capability, fuel efficiency, and operational reliability of 99.5 percent .By adding the A350-1000 to its fleet of modern wide-body aircraft, the East African carrier will increase its capacity. The airline will benefit from a versatile, highly advantageous Family that makes use of Airbus’ excellent degree of commonality and same type rating.

Modern aerodynamics, a fuselage and wings made of carbon fibre, as well as the most fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, are all part of the Airbus A350’s brand-new, original design. By combining these advanced technologies, Ethiopian Airlines achieves incredible levels of operational effectiveness and sustainability, with a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to twin-aisle aircraft of earlier generations.

940 orders from 52 customers were placed on the A350 Family by the end of June 2022, making it the standard large wide body family for the ensuing decades.

Related Topics:a350 airbus Ethiopian airlines

Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.