Ethiopian Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with French company Safran for eight upcoming Boeing 777-9 aircraft to be fitted with Z400 economy class seats.
Africa’s largest airline is expecting delivery of its first Boeing 777-9 in mid-2027, with each aircraft requiring 383 economy passenger seats.
Ethiopian Airlines said that the new seats will provide an improved inflight entertainment experience with the latest generation 13-inch screens, in a notable upgrade from the previous 11.6-inch displays.
The seats are also 12.5% lighter than the previous generation seats, due to fewer components and the use of advanced lightweight materials.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mesfin Tasew, said: “We are pleased to have signed this MoU with Safran for the provision of the Z400 seats for our 777-9 aircraft. As a technology driven airline, we are committed to enhancing our passengers’ onboard experience through state-of-the-art technology that offers passenger comfort while also ensuring operational efficiency and sustainability.”
Safran and Ethiopian Airlines have a long-standing partnership, with a collaboration currently in progress to equip the carrier’s A350 aircraft with business and economy class seats.
Victoria Foy, CEO of Safran Seats, said: “We are delighted to deepen our partnership with Ethiopian Airlines by providing our advanced Z400 seats for their B777-9 fleet. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to innovation and excellence in passenger comfort, supporting Ethiopian Airlines as it expands its horizons and enhances its inflight services.”
