Ethiopian Airlines completes first full strip-and-paint of Airbus A350-900 aircraft

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s leading carrier and a rapidly growing global airline brand, has achieved a historic milestone by completing the continent’s first full strip-and-paint program for an Airbus A350-900 aircraft. This accomplishment underscores the airline’s advancing technical capabilities and its position as a key player in aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.

A New Era in In-House MRO Expertise

The project, executed by Ethiopian Airlines’ in-house maintenance division, Ethiopian MRO, marks a significant leap in the airline’s ability to handle advanced composite aircraft structures. This follows the recent completion of a similar stripping-and-painting capability for the Boeing 787 fleet, further solidifying the airline’s expertise in modern aircraft technologies.

The process involved dismantling and repainting two A350-900 aircraft—a complex task due to the aircraft’s advanced composite materials, which require specialized techniques to preserve structural integrity and aerodynamic performance. Ethiopian MRO’s modern paint shop and hangar enabled the team to meet rigorous industry standards while ensuring minimal disruption to flight operations.

CEO Highlights Strategic Importance

Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, emphasized the achievement as a testament to the airline’s long-term investment in operational resilience and technical self-reliance.

“The successful execution of our full strip-and-paint project on two of our A350-900 aircraft coupled with the completion of paint capability on the B787 earlier this year, marks a significant step forward in Ethiopian’s in-house widebody advanced composite structure paint capabilities,” Tasew stated. “This project is yet another milestone which reflects Ethiopian’s ongoing commitment to investing in world-class MRO capabilities, strengthening our operational resilience, enhancing our self-reliance, and elevating our global standing. Beyond saving costs, this achievement enables us to generate additional revenue and reinforce our position as a leading MRO service provider in the continent and the region.”

Technical Capabilities and Sustainability

Ethiopian MRO’s expertise now spans both composite and aluminum airframes across the airline’s fleet. The team utilizes advanced application methods such as High-Volume Low-Pressure spraying and electrostatic systems, which ensure precise, eco-friendly coatings. The A350-900 project required meticulous attention to composite surfaces.

A Legacy of Excellence

For nearly six decades, Ethiopian MRO has provided top-tier maintenance services, not only supporting Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet but also serving external clients from across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.

With a fleet comprising Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350s, and other modern aircraft, Ethiopian Airlines has consistently prioritized operational efficiency and passenger comfort.