This jet, known as “Tshehay or Sun,” was reportedly flown to Italy during the Italian fascist invasion of Ethiopia, according to historians.
The plane’s ceremonial transfer by the Italian government was hailed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who described it as a wonderful day of pride for Ethiopians.
With the assistance of Ethiopian specialists, Ludwig Weber, a German engineer and pilot for the final Ethiopian Emperor, King Haile Selassie, constructed “Sun” in 1935.
The aircraft, which has been housed in the Italian Air Force Museum since 1948, made its maiden flight in December 1935, according to a statement released by the Italian Ministry of Defence.
According to Reuters, Weber took off from Addis Ababa at the same time and flew 50 kilometres for seven minutes. It is thought that the solar plane, which is currently bright red, was formerly silvery grey in colour.
The jet was turned over while Abiy was attending the African leaders’ conference hosted by Italy. The name Tsheay was inspired by Princess Tshehay, the daughter of the king.