Boeing

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Ethiopian Airlines officials held celebrations for the delivery of a new 737-700 airplane at Boeing Field this past week. A brief ceremony in front of the airline's fifth 737 airplane highlighted the transaction between the two companies, whose long-standing relationship dates back some 50 years.

With assistance from Ethiopian Consul General Ato Solomon Tadesse and the Pan-African Chamber of Commerce, Boeing also hosted a delivery dinner in honor of Seattle 's local Ethiopian community and the national carrier. The festivities took place at Chateau St. Michelle, a local winery and vineyard renowned for fine wines and beautifully landscaped grounds.

"This event illustrates for Ethiopians living in Seattle how Boeing works closely with Ethiopian Airlines to solidify and enhance their business relationship and makes us proud of our national carrier and the Boeing airplanes they fly all over the world," Consul General Tadesse said.

Mike Cave, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president and general manager of airplane programs, represented Boeing employees and leadership at the dinner. Cave thanked Ethiopian Airlines' CEO Ato Girma Wake for the airline's commitment to Boeing airplanes and explained that "the relationship between our two companies is a journey requiring a lot of work, understanding and a joint commitment to success."

"It's great to meet informally in situations such as this to celebrate the results of all our hard work together," Cave said.

Ato Girma Wake marked the event with an entertaining history of Ethiopia 's commercial airline growth and praised Boeing for continued support and service. "There is a difference when working with a company over a long term," he stated.

"We've learned a lot about each other over the years, and it's events like this where we come together to renew our commitments and plan for future growth."

Ethiopian Airlines operates an all-Boeing fleet of 737 and 767 aircraft and is recognized as one of the top African airlines serving regional and international routes in Asia, Europe and North America.