Airlines

Ethiopian expands fleet with two new Dash 8-400 leased by TrueNood

The delivery of new Dash 8-400 is because Ethiopian is expanding with an important remit to explore new technologies alongside environmental matters and economic solutions.
The Dash 8-400 model is an ideal aircraft to serve Ethiopian’s large domestic and regional network.

The increased capacity will enable Ethiopian to boost services domestically and broaden the choice of routes across neighbouring East African countries.

Ethiopian has signed an eight-year sale and leaseback agreement with TrueNoord for two new Dash 8-400 aircraft. The new Dash 8-400 aircraft will be integrated into the fleet for immediate operation.

Maarten Grift, TrueNoord’s Sales Manager for Africa, Middle East, and CIS observes that Ethiopian Airlines’ growing portfolio will further underpin its strong reputation for quality services and innovation. “TrueNoord is pleased to be chosen to support their regional connectivity with the versatile and economical Dash 8-400 aircraft. The increased capacity will enable Ethiopian to boost services domestically and broaden the choice of routes across neighboring East African countries.” 

Currently celebrating 75 years of excellence, Ethiopian Airlines has become the Continent’s leading carrier. Operating at the forefront of aviation technology, the airline is also one of Ethiopia’s major industries and a respected institution in Africa. A dominant force across the Pan-African network, it currently serves 127 international and 22 domestic destinations operating the newest and youngest fleet in the region.

Mr Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines said, “The airline is expanding with an important remit to explore new technologies alongside environmental matters and economic solutions. The organization is committed to a sustainable future for regional aviation and being prepared to meet new demands. Our growing relationship with TrueNoord is founded upon their ability to provide practical and timely lease options that support our evolving business model. We have continued to use the Dash 8-400 model because it is the ideal aircraft to serve our large domestic and regional network.”

Philippe Poutissou, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, De Havilland Canada said, “We are pleased that TrueNoord is investing in the Dash 8-400 aircraft for its portfolio – reinforcing De Havilland Canada’s reputation for building aircraft with long-term value retention for both operators and owners. Sale and leaseback transactions, such as the one announced today between TrueNoord and Ethiopian Airlines, are providing increasingly valuable support to our operators as they work to deliver efficient air transport around the world.”

Anne-Bart Tieleman, CEO – TrueNoord said, “As we work together in an industry that is coping with sudden change and disruption, it is essential for TrueNoord to support our lessees globally. We were delighted that Ethiopian Airlines was our first lessee in Africa and that our portfolio of Dash 8-400 aircraft has grown to three in six months.This latest sale and leaseback agreement is evidence of their strong credit rating and global reputation, this makes them the perfect airline partner and our relationship is open to future growth.”

Sustained delivery of commercially viable direct flights between domestic African destinations will help to spearhead economic progress across the continent and as the leading operator, Ethiopian Airlines is at the forefront of such activity.