Ethiopian Airlines has taken a major step toward enhancing its long-haul passenger experience by selecting Safran’s Z400 economy class seats for its upcoming fleet of Boeing 777-9 aircraft. The announcement was made at the Aircraft Interiors Exhibition in Hamburg, where the airline signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the France-based aerospace supplier.
The Z400 seats will be installed on eight Boeing 777-9 aircraft, set for delivery in mid-2027. Each plane will be outfitted with 383 economy class seats, featuring cutting-edge design and technology aimed at boosting both comfort and sustainability.
Passengers can look forward to a more engaging inflight entertainment experience, with the Z400 seats offering next-generation 13-inch HD screens—a significant improvement from the previous 11.6-inch versions. Alongside entertainment, the design also focuses on ergonomics and efficiency.
One of the standout features of the Z400 is its lightweight construction, with the seats being 12.5% lighter than the previous generation. This is achieved through advanced materials and fewer components, helping Ethiopian Airlines lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions—an important step as the airline works toward more sustainable operations.
Mr. Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, emphasized the airline’s tech-forward vision:
“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 offer passenger comfort while also ensuring operational efficiency and sustainability.”
The collaboration also strengthens Ethiopian Airlines’ ongoing partnership with Safran, a global leader in aircraft seating solutions.
Victoria Foy, CEO of Safran Seats, noted:
“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.”
Ethiopian Airlines continues to grow its global presence and modernize its fleet, with the upcoming 777-9 aircraft playing a key role in the carrier’s future expansion. By combining increased seating capacity with comfort-enhancing technology, the airline is positioning itself to offer a top-tier experience in the economy class segment.
