Ethiopian Airlines Taps Safran for 777-9 Upgrades
Ethiopian Airlines has taken a major step in enhancing its inflight experience by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with French company Safran to equip its new Boeing 777-9 aircraft with the advanced Z400 economy class seats. The agreement was formalized at the Aircraft International Exhibition in Hamburg on April 10, 2025, during a signing ceremony that underscored the deepening partnership between the two companies. Under this MoU, the airline, which is the largest in Africa, will install 383 economy seats on each of the eight new 777-9 aircraft it has ordered, with the first delivery expected in mid-2027.
The newly retrofitted seats represent a significant upgrade over previous models. One of the standout features of the Z400 is the enhanced inflight entertainment experience; the seats are equipped with the latest generation 13-inch screens, an improvement from the older 11.6-inch displays. In addition, the Z400 seats are 12.5% lighter than their predecessors, thanks to the reduction of components and the use of advanced lightweight materials. This reduction in weight is not only beneficial for fuel efficiency but also contributes to the overall operational sustainability of the airline’s fleet.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mesfin Tasew, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing that the airline is committed to leveraging state-of-the-art technology to enhance passenger comfort while ensuring operational efficiency and sustainability. He highlighted that the decision to incorporate the Z400 seats into the new 777-9 fleet aligns perfectly with the airline’s technology-driven approach and its broader strategy to provide an improved onboard experience for its passengers.
Safran, which already has a long-standing relationship with Ethiopian Airlines through its ongoing collaboration to outfit the carrier’s A350 aircraft with both business and economy class seats, is equally enthusiastic about the new deal. Victoria Foy, CEO of Safran Seats, commented that the provision of the advanced Z400 seats for the Boeing 777-9 fleet reflects the shared commitment of both companies to innovation and excellence in passenger comfort. This collaboration will enable Ethiopian Airlines to expand its horizon and further enhance its inflight services, setting a new benchmark in the competitive aviation market.
This latest agreement marks another significant milestone in Ethiopian Airlines’ efforts to modernize its fleet and improve the travel experience. By choosing to invest in the Z400 seats, the airline is poised to offer passengers a more engaging and comfortable journey, with enhanced entertainment options and a more efficient cabin environment. As the new Boeing 777-9 aircraft are gradually introduced into the fleet, passengers can look forward to experiencing these upgrades on long-haul flights, as the carrier positions itself to serve key global destinations with improved service and efficiency.
The signing of the MoU with Safran reinforces the airline’s commitment to innovation and signals a bright future for both Ethiopian Airlines and its partners. With these enhancements, the airline is set to further solidify its reputation as a leading player in the global aviation industry, delivering a superior travel experience that combines advanced technology, passenger comfort, and operational sustainability.
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