Ethiopian Airlines (ET), renowned for its extensive connections between Africa and the world, also offers some fascinating intra-European routes. Recently, we had the opportunity to fly on one of these routes, traveling from Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) to Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) aboard the airline’s iconic Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Although the flight was only 50 minutes, it provided a unique glimpse into Ethiopian Airlines’ service beyond its usual long-haul routes. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the experience.
The Aircraft: A Dreamliner with History
Our flight was operated by ET-AOP, a Boeing 787-8 that has been part of Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet for 12 years. The Dreamliner is known for its advanced wing technology, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort, which are typically associated with long-haul flights. It’s uncommon to see such a large aircraft on a short intra-European route, which made the flight even more intriguing.
However, the aircraft had an eventful past. In 2013, it was involved in a fire while parked at London Heathrow. The damage was substantial, but after repairs, the aircraft returned to service. By the time we boarded, ET-AOP had continued its work with Ethiopian Airlines, operating without any outward signs of its history. Despite this, the aircraft showed a bit of wear and tear during the flight, with the cabin feeling slightly aged and the in-flight entertainment system stuck on the welcome screen for the entire journey.
Cabin Experience: Mixed Impressions
Upon boarding, the first noticeable detail was that the cabin was not as pristine as expected from a globally recognized airline. While not dirty, the general tidiness of the cabin could have been improved, especially on a flight between two major Scandinavian cities.
The seating offered an interesting contrast: economy class had a fair number of empty rows, giving passengers the freedom to spread out, which made the short flight feel more comfortable. Business class, however, was nearly full, which may reflect the popularity of this route among premium travelers, possibly connecting Sweden and Norway to Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Airlines’ hub.
We appreciated the presence of blankets and pillows at each economy seat, and the adjustable headrests and decent legroom were great, making the seats comfortable even for longer flights. These amenities are often expected on long-haul flights, but their availability on such a short journey added an extra layer of comfort and made the experience feel more premium.
In-Flight Service: Friendly and Attentive
Despite the flight’s brevity, Ethiopian Airlines delivered on its commitment to service. Shortly after takeoff, the friendly cabin crew served complimentary refreshments, offering passengers a choice between pineapple juice or water. Although the in-flight entertainment system was not functioning, the crew maintained a warm and professional demeanor throughout the flight, engaging passengers and making them feel comfortable.
The service was notably better than that typically offered by low-cost carriers on short routes, and the budget-friendly fare included complimentary seat selection during the online check-in process.
The Journey: Scenic Views of Scandinavia
The flight itself was smooth and uneventful, cruising at 30,000 feet. Passengers were treated to stunning aerial views of Scandinavia, including a vibrant sunrise over Sweden that made the early-morning departure particularly worthwhile. The contrast of clear skies and clouds added a scenic dimension to the journey, making the short flight a memorable experience, especially for those lucky enough to secure a window seat.
Final Thoughts: A Flight Worth Trying
While the flight was short and had some hiccups, Ethiopian Airlines offered a memorable experience for those looking to travel between Stockholm and Oslo or curious about the airline’s European service. Although the Boeing 787’s in-flight entertainment didn’t work and the cabin could have been cleaner, the overall comfort and friendly service made up for it.
Would we fly Ethiopian Airlines again on an intra-European route? Yes, especially if the next flight is operated by the Boeing 777-200LR, which is used on select European routes, including ARN-OSL. Despite some of the challenges, Ethiopian Airlines’ dedication to service and its unique approach to European routes make it worth considering for both long-haul and regional travel.
Related topics:
Europe’s Air Traffic Shows Continued Growth Despite Challenges, Says ACI Europe
Singapore Retains Top Spot as World’s Strongest Passport; Finland Surprises with Second Place
Affordable New Year Getaways in Europe: Kaunas, Paphos, and Gdańsk