Air expansion is off to flying start

The decision by Ethiopian Airlines to launch a service connecting Dublin with Adis Ababa and Los Angeles emphasises why free trade between small and large economies is so key.

Central to this new air service announcement is the Boeing 787. The so-called Dreamliner is part of a new-generation twin-jet wide-bodied aircraft that brings an entirely new set of economics to flying. Because of its super-efficiency, driven largely by new engines designed by General Electric, the 787 operated by Ethiopian is able to fly what are called long, thin routes.

These are routes over which passenger numbers are not high enough to warrant flights using traditional aircraft, with their relatively high fuel consumption. The 787, with enhanced range and significantly lower fuel costs, can operate these routes at a profit, however.