Ethiopian Airlines achieves African aviation breakthrough with winglet uplift

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - Ethiopian Airlines said on Wednesday its technicians had achieved a major breakthrough in Africa's aviation history with a modification on the winglet of the Boeing 767.

"The modification improves the fuel efficiency of the airplanes and reduces carbon emission annually per aircraft," the Ethiopian Airlines said in a tweet on Wednesday.

The B767 aircraft, which has a wingspan of 48 metres, is a rare aircraft in the aviation industry with a seating capacity of some 375 passengers.

Ethiopian Airlines has six B767 aircraft among its 125 fleet.

The Boeing 767, which was succeeded in the aviation industry by the 787 Dreamliner, is a widebodied aircraft which is considered much lighter.

The aircraft services long-haul routes. The modification on the winglet to improve on carbon emissions is expected to provide the airline with some savings in fuel consumption.

The Airlines said with the technical breakthrough, Ethiopian was completed by its maintenance technicians.

-0- PANA AO/VAO 26Aug2020