Aircraft enthusiasts were out in strength at Dublin Airport as Ethiopian Airlines flew its latest B787 Dreamliner in for what was literally a flying visit.
Meanwhile the official attendance was entertained by traditional dancers and musicians in the airport’s VIP Platinum Suite as they awaited the arrival of the state-of-the-art aircraft from London.
Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, welcomed the Ethiopian Airlines Dreamliner B787 into Dublin Airport for the first time: “This is a very exciting day for Dublin Airport and for Irish tourism.
“I very much look forward to the start of Ethiopian Airlines’ new Addis Ababa – Los Angeles service via Dublin Airport in June, using the very impressive Dreamliner. The new routes will strengthen Ireland’s connectivity to the west coast of the United States and will provide the first direct link to Ethiopia and other points in Africa and beyond from the Ethiopian Airlines Addis Ababa hub, offering additional choice and convenience for passengers.”
Ireland has granted Ethiopian fifth freedom rights, which enable the airline to sell tickets on all sectors of the new Addis Ababa to Los Angeles route.
Welcoming the arrival of Ethiopian’s Dreamliner to Dublin, Kevin Toland, daa Chief Executive, said: “Ethiopian’s Dublin route will be the only direct service connecting Africa with Ireland and the west coast of the USA. The new service will reconnect Dublin with Los Angeles and bring unrivalled connectivity in Africa, opening up opportunities from its Addis Ababa hub to almost 50 African destinations.
“We are looking forward to welcoming the inaugural direct flight from Addis Ababa on 20th June. 
Tewolde Gebremariam, Chief Executive, Ethiopian Airlines Group, said: “We are proud to be the first airline to link Africa and Ireland and bring the ultra-modern B787 aircraft to Dublin Airport. I wish to thank the Government of Ireland and the airport authority for their tremendous support, which has enabled the start of our flight in June. Our flights connecting Addis Ababa, Dublin and Los Angeles will play a critical role in the expansion of trade, tourism and investment between the fast growing continent of Africa and Ireland.”
