The Ethiopian Airlines latest A-350 aircraft made a grand entry into the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos amid applause.
The aircraft was welcomed with a colourful water canon shower by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria,(FAAN) fire tenders at the weekend.
General Manager of Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, Solomon Bengashaw explained that Nigeria is favoured to receive the newest Aircraft in the world, the Airbus A-350 because of its strategic position in Africa.
He disclosed that Lagos and Dubai are the first airports to receive the Ethiopian Airlines Brand new baby, recalling that almost four years ago he was the host to receive Ethiopian Airlines Boeing B787 Dreamliner to Africa and to Lagos.
The A350 XWB aircraft is fitted with the latest high-definition touchscreen personal monitors and a higher selection of movies, television series and audio channels. The airline said the in-flight Wi-Fi connection will be made available on the aircraft in the future.
Bengashaw noted that passengers with smart devices can connect to the world while others can use the smart individual touch screens on their seats when the internet service goes operational.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism Mr Folarin Coker led a team of airport workers, airlines personnel, aviation officials and managers of ground handling firms to witness a display by fire tenders of the airport authority who showered the aircraft with water on landing.
According to him, Ethiopian Airline has done its part by bringing the best to the industry to ensure that travel business and tourism will flourish and also be catered by the most advanced and safety reliable equipment.
Coker said: “The significance is not just that is the first. The significance is that while the country is learning to take big steps, some airlines may choose to leave, some who have worked with us before, but Ethiopian Airlines has chosen to bring the best that is available here in the global economic planet, I think, they need to be applauded.”
Coker continued: “ It is not surprised that it is Lagos, because if you look at the wealth and the population of Lagos in the context of most Nigerians and Africans, you will understand that this is a viable market, and anybody who comes to do business here understands business and understands that this economy can give returns to your dollar and can give one returns that is comparable to anywhere else in the world.’’
