How Did Ethiopian Airlines Master Africa's First A350-900 Composite Paint Job?

Ethiopian Airlines has recorded a major maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) milestone. The carrier successfully completed Africa's first full strip-and-paint programme on the Airbus A350-900. This complex work was carried out on two of the airline’s wide-body aircraft.

This achievement marks a decisive expansion of Ethiopian Airlines' in-house MRO capability. It strongly reinforces the airline’s long-term strategy of technical self-reliance. The development positions Ethiopian Airlines as a continental leader in advanced composite aircraft painting.

A Complex Technical Leap

The Airbus A350-900 project represents a significant technical leap. It follows the recent introduction of full composite painting capability on the Boeing 787 fleet. The A350, however, is more complex due to its extensive use of advanced composite materials. These materials require specialized painting techniques. For instance, the A350 has a metallic mesh embedded under the paint. This mesh is critical for lightning strike protection, adding complexity to the full strip-and-paint process.

By executing this demanding programme internally, Ethiopian Airlines has demonstrated deep engineering competence. This move also reduces the airline's dependence on offshore maintenance providers. Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, appreciated the accomplishment. He stated the project marked a significant step forward in the airline’s wide-body composite structure paint capability.

Strategic MRO Investment and Impact

This MRO breakthrough aligns with the airline's strategic vision. It strengthens operational resilience and improves long-term cost efficiency. The in-house capability also supports revenue generation. Ethiopian MRO can now offer this service to third-party customers across Africa and the Middle East.

• Cost Savings and Revenue: Performing the work internally saves significant costs for the airline's own fleet maintenance.
• Regional Leadership: It reinforces Ethiopian Airlines' position as a leading MRO service provider in the region.
• Advanced Technology: The facility uses advanced application methods. These include High-Volume Low-Pressure (HVLP) and electrostatic spray systems.

Ethiopian MRO has been offering aircraft maintenance services for nearly six decades. The facility is certified by multiple bodies. These include the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ETCAA), the FAA, and the EASA. This broad certification base underscores the facility's global standard of quality.

Future Outlook for African Aviation

The successful completion of the A350-900 full strip-and-paint is a major signal for African aviation. It shows a growing trend toward technical self-reliance on the continent. As more African carriers acquire new-generation, composite-heavy aircraft, local MRO capacity becomes vital. This development strengthens the entire continent's aviation ecosystem. It provides a reliable, high-quality, and geographically closer option for heavy maintenance. For more commercial aviation news and industry analysis, visit our coverage at flying.flights.