Ethiopian Airlines first to operate A350 XWB FFS in Africa

Following delivery of its first A350 XWB aircraft in 2016, Ethiopian Airlines has become the first to operate an A350 XWB full flight simulator (FFS) in Africa.

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates seven A350 XWBs and has a further 17 on order.

CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Tewolde GebreMariam, remarked, “The introduction of the A350 XWB full flight simulator is a continuation of our pioneering role in African aviation technology. It is part of our Vision 2025 strategic roadmap to be fully self-sufficient in the provision of pilot training on all the aircraft types we operate. It complements the other full flight simulators we are already operating such as the B787, B-777, B737, B757, B767 and Q400.

“All in all, we have invested over $125 million in the last 7 years to expand and upgrade all the facets of our training capabilities,” GebreMariam continued. “These investments are meant to bridge the aviation skill gap in Africa and to avail well-trained and qualified aviation professionals in the continent. Education is the biggest Equalizer of our time and our aim is to make Africa self-sufficient in aviation professionals.”

In May 2017, the carrier ordered a FRASCA 172 Flight Navigation Procedures Trainer.