TORONTO — Ethiopian Airlines is putting new B787-900 XWB (Xtra Wide Body) aircraft, the largest of the Dreamliners series, on its Toronto route starting this December.

The aircraft is configured with 30 seats in Ethiopian’s Cloud Nine business class and 296 seats in economy class.

“This is exciting news for us as we continue to grow,” said Birhan Abate, Ethiopian Airlines Canada Country Manager. “With the increase in flights we most recently announced our goal is to maintain youngest fleet in the industry. It’s part of our 15 years strategic road map, vision 2025.” The new aircraft also offers a bigger baggage and cargo capacity to uplift, says Abate.

Ethiopian recently increased its frequency on its Toronto route, operating five times a week with nonstop flights to Addis Ababa on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting in December. Toronto is Ethiopian’s 67th international destination and second in the Americas.

Ethiopian Airlines offers the only direct flight nonstop from Toronto to Africa, notes Abate. From Toronto passengers can connect to dozens of cities in Africa via Ethiopian’s hub at Addis Ababa, including Johannesburg, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Cape Town and Harare.