http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19293543

Ethiopia has become the second country after Japan to take delivery of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Ethiopian Airlines has bought 10 of Boeing's flagship aircraft, which are built from lightweight material, rather than aluminium, to save fuel.

The BBC's Catherine Byaruhanga in Addis Ababa says that despite the pouring rain, a marching band gave a fitting welcome as the first plane arrived.

Ethiopian Airlines is one of Africa's biggest airlines.

Our reporter says when the first Dreamliner arrived, it was a very proud moment for the company's workers and many took photographs of the new plane.

"As a continent this shows how much we are making progress as Africans... competing on the global stage and changing our image," Ethiopian Airline head Tewolde Gebremariam told reporters at Addis Ababa's Bole International Airport.

The aircraft are supposed to cost $200m each but correspondents say airlines rarely pay this price, especially for bulk orders.

Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways are the only two airlines already operating Dreamliner aircraft.

Ethiopian Airlines generally has a good safety record, apart from the 2010 crash of one of its aircraft off the coast of Lebanon.

The state-owned company serves 69 international destinations.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19293543

We still come here and claim to be the Giant of Africa.

I just love this aircraft, when it's was on it's "DREAM TOUR" and it was Reagan National, I adored it's presence, my God, it was a sight to behold.

manny4life: I just love this aircraft, when it's was on it's "DREAM TOUR" and it was Reagan National, I adored it's presence, my God, it was a sight to behold.

Are you from Ethiopia?

auwal87:

We still come here and claim to be the Giant of Country.

Well, things are not working in Nigeria because many Nigerians back home will not lay the tribalism and religious fascism to rest so how can Nigeria progress? It has nothing to do with Nigeria's population but the fact that Nigerians are not united and refuse to come together for the common good of the country.

@Post

Congrats to Ethiopia

Good for Ethiopia, but its the 3rd, not the second.

They must have significantly upgraded their airport to be able to accommodate. and support that plane.

Eko Ile: Good for Ethiopia, but its the 3rd, not the second.

They must have significantly upgraded their airport to be able to accommodate. and support that plane.

Japan Airways and All Nippon Airways are all in Japan, so it is the second.

auwal87:

Japan Airways and All Nippon Airways are all in Japan, so it is the second.

united airlines in the US unveiled theirs 2 weeks ago.

auwal87:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19293543


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19293543

We still come here and claim to be the Giant of Africa.

Uhmmm....Arik Air already placed orders for the 787 Dream-liner years ago. So relax.