Although it has been a few weeks, I wanted to share some photos and thoughts from an August event I attended for Ethiopian Airlines. The airline became the first in Africa — and the third in the world — to fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and I was standing on the tarmac of Washington Dulles International Airport watching it land from its inaugural flight from Seattle. It was an awesome experience, and the landing itself was so quiet — all part of the innovations to be found on the Dreamliner.

After the landing, the aircraft was treated to a water salute courtesy of the Dulles Fire Department. The salute left bystanders a bit wet as well. A reception in the check-in area of the airport terminal followed, with traditional Ethiopian cuisine, Ethiopian music, a press conference and other celebrations. We watched as the first passengers disembarked to much fanfare.

Then, the best part: It was time for our tour of the aircraft. Inside, we saw firsthand the game-changing design of the aircraft. Overhead bins fit suitcases on their sides, allowing for more bags to be stored. Lavatory doors open inside on a lever, making for easier access in and out; window shades were replaced by tinting windows that darken at the touch of a button; and the air quality is much better, thanks to double filtration systems.

Despite the long journey from Trenton to D.C.’s Union Station and then out to the airport, it was well worth attending the event. It was an exciting moment for the airline and for Africa, and I was proud to be apart of it. Congratulations, Ethiopian!

Ethiopian resumes regular service from Washington, D.C., to Addis Ababa this fall. I look forward to my first flight on board this aircraft!

— Kimberly Krol, managing editor