Boeing has delivered a 777-300ER (Extended Range) jet to GE Capital Aviation Services for lease to Ethiopian Airlines.

The 777-300ER is now the largest airplane in the Ethiopian flag-carrier’s fleet and will provide it with increased capacity and improved operating economics on key routes from its base in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

“The introduction of the B777-300 ER into our fleet is a major milestone, as it will be our biggest aircraft with a 400 seat capacity.

“Ethiopian B777-300 ER will give our passengers the best possible travel experience with its spacious cabin interior, high ceiling, advanced in-flight entertainment system, increased stowage capability and additional cargo uplift flexibility,” said Mesfin Tassew, chief operation officer, Ethiopian Airlines.

“The aircraft will be deployed on our long haul non-stop routes to the US and China and will give us exceptional range capability and fuel efficiency.”

Ethiopian’s first 777-300ER will seat nearly 400 passengers in a two-class configuration and perfectly complements its existing fleet of six 777-200LR (Longer Range) airplanes by providing additional capacity and flexibility on popular routes, such as Guangzhou, Washington, DC and Dubai. In future months, an additional three 777-300ERs with join Ethiopian’s continuously expanding fleet, providing the Addis Ababa-based carrier with more options on new and existing routes across Africa and beyond. 

The 777-300ER can fly up to 7,825 nautical miles and is equipped with GE90-115B engines, the world’s most powerful commercial jet engine.

Ethiopian’s 777-300ER also features the Boeing Signature Interior that offers wider seats, wider aisles, more headroom and more seating flexibility.