Ethiopian Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with French aerospace firm Safran to install the Z400 economy class seats on eight of its upcoming Boeing 777-9 aircraft. The agreement was formalized at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg.
Deliveries of the new long-haul jets are scheduled to begin in mid-2027. Each aircraft will feature 383 Z400 seats in economy class, a move signaling the airline’s focus on expanding its fleet while improving the inflight experience for passengers.
The Z400 model is Safran’s latest innovation for long-range aircraft. It includes a 13-inch inflight entertainment screen—larger than the 11.6-inch versions on previous seats—and is built with lighter materials, reducing weight by 12.5%. This not only improves passenger comfort but also contributes to more fuel-efficient and sustainable operations.
Ethiopian Airlines has a long-standing relationship with Safran, having previously worked together on seating solutions for its Airbus A350 fleet.
Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Mesfin Tasew, said the agreement aligns with the carrier’s push toward more tech-forward cabin features, aimed at boosting passenger satisfaction and operating performance.
Safran Seats CEO Victoria Foy welcomed the deal, calling it a reflection of the two companies’ shared focus on innovation and enhanced travel experiences.
