Ethiopian Airlines has inked a deal with French company Safran, securing cutting-edge Z400 economy class seats for the forthcoming Boeing 777-9 aircraft. The agreement was reached during the Aircraft International Exhibition in Hamburg, Germany, on April 10, 2025, where a formal signing ceremony cemented the partnership. With the first Boeing 777-9 set for delivery in mid-2027, each aircraft is slated to house 383 economy passenger seats.

Pilotcenter.net News reports that Ethiopian Airlines praised the new seats for offering an enhanced inflight entertainment experience, boasting state-of-the-art 13-inch screens – a significant upgrade from the previous 11.6-inch displays. Furthermore, the seats are 12.5% lighter than their predecessors, thanks to streamlined design and the incorporation of advanced lightweight materials.

Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, expressed excitement over the collaboration, stating, "We are delighted 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 dedicated to enriching our passengers’ onboard experience through cutting-edge technology that prioritizes comfort, operational efficiency, and sustainability."

Highlighting the enduring partnership between Safran and Ethiopian Airlines, Victoria Foy, CEO of Safran Seats, emphasized their shared commitment to innovation and passenger comfort. Foy added, "We are thrilled to strengthen our collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines by supplying our advanced Z400 seats for their B777-9 fleet. This partnership underscores our joint pursuit of excellence in passenger experience, supporting Ethiopian Airlines as it expands its services and elevates its inflight offerings."

This collaboration signifies a step forward in enhancing the travel experience for Ethiopian Airlines passengers, paving the way for a new era of comfort and efficiency onboard their future Boeing 777-9 aircraft.