Vélizy, September 3, 2012- Ethiopian Airlines took delivery of its first Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, equipped with Messier-Bugatti-Dowty (Safran Group) wheels and brakes. Ethiopian Airlines is the first in the world, outside Japan and before any airline in the Americas, Africa, Middle East and Europe to operate this technologically advanced commercial aircraft.

Ethiopian Airlines is the launch customer for Messier-Bugatti-Dowty electric brakes and has already ordered ten Boeing 787-8 aircraft to be equipped.

Messier-Bugatti-Dowty teams have provided support and expertise for Ethiopian Airlines to ensure a successful entry into service, including hands-on training of the airline's technicians in electric braking technology.

Nebil Mohammed Shash, Ethiopian Airlines 787 Project Manager, said: "We are delighted to continue our cooperation with Messier-Bugatti-Dowty for our 787 fleet. We expect an even superior service life than on our previous generation long-range fleets."

Alain Sauret, Chairman and CEO of Messier-Bugatti-Dowty, added: "This launch marks a major milestone in the development of electric braking on commercial aircraft, culminating the successful development of a technology pioneered by Messier-Bugatti-Dowty."

Messier-Bugatti-Dowty electric brakes deliver weight savings while retaining excellent thermal capacity, higher dispatch reliability, simplified maintenance and longer service life. Messier-Bugatti-Dowty electric brakes are not only lighter than competing products, but are also designed to deliver more landings per overhaul.

Messier-Bugatti-Dowty also supplies the main and nose landing gears for all Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

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Ethiopian Airlines, the fastest growing airline in Africa, made its maiden international flight to Cairo in 1946 and now the Airline provides dependable services to 69 international destinations spanning four continents.

Ethiopian is proud to be a Star Alliance Member. The Star Alliance network is the leading global airline network offering customers convenient worldwide reach and a smoother travel experience. The Star Alliance network offers more than 21,555 daily flights to 1,396 airports in 193 countries.

Ethiopian is a multi-award winner for its commitment and contributions towards the development and growth of the African aviation industry and in recognition of its distinguished long-haul operations enhanced by the introduction of new routes and products. Recently, Ethiopian won Gold in the African Airline of the Year 2011/2012 Awards organized by the African Aviation News Portal. Ethiopian also received the 2011 AFRAA award for being consistently profitable over the years and has won the "AFRICAN CARGO AIRLINE OF THE YEAR 2011 Award" for its excellence in air cargo. Ethiopian also won the NEPAD Transport Infrastructure Excellence Awards 2009 and "the Airline of the Year 2009 Award" from the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).

With its acquisition of and firm orders for several new modern fleet, the airline is well positioned to pursue aggressively the implementation of its 2025 strategic plan to become the leading aviation group in Africa.

Messier-Bugatti-Dowty(Safran group), is the world leader in aircraft landing and braking systems. Company capabilities encompass the full life cycle of our products, ranging from design and manufacture to in-service support, repair and overhaul. Messier-Bugatti-Dowty is a partner to 30 leading commercial, military, business and regional airframers, and supports more than 23,000 aircraft making over 35,000 landings every day. The company employs 6,500 staff working in locations across Europe, North America and Asia.

SAFRAN CONTACTMessier-Bugatti-Dowty (groupe Safran)

Direction de la Communication

Inovel Parc Sud

78 140 Vélizy-Villacoublay - France

www.safranmbd.com

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