ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian Airlines on Friday inaugurated its A350 XWB simulator, becoming the first operator of the machine in Africa and among the few in the world.

The machine is fitted with a full electrical motion system which delivers improved performance while providing energy savings and environmental benefits, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Tewolde GebreMariam told an inauguration ceremony in Addis Ababa.

Ethiopian Airlines has invested more than 125 million U.S. dollars within the last seven years to expand and upgrade all the facets of its training capabilities, Tewolde said.

"These investments are meant to bridge the aviation skill gap in Africa and to avail well trained and qualified aviation professionals on the continent," he added.

"The introduction of the A350 XWB Full-Flight Simulator is a continuation of our pioneering role in African aviation technology," Tewolde said.

A pilot training school of Ethiopian Airlines has trained pilots from over 52 countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe for close to 50 years, the airline said.