Two-phase project expands passenger capacity to 100 million
ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopian Airlines Group has inked a deal with global firm Dar to construct Africa’s largest airport city in Abusera, Bishoftu. The mega project slated for completion in five years, will be executed in two phases and ultimately accommodate over 100 million passengers annually.
Speaking at the press conference yesterday, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tassew hailed the partnership as a historic milestone, emphasizing Dar’s expertise in designing and managing mega-airport projects. The initial phase will focus on a terminal capable of handling 60 million passengers, requiring a six billion investment while the second phase will expand capacity to over 100 million.
The CEO also noted that the agreement comprises the design of the new airport and includes supervision of the construction work from the beginning to the end.
To finance the mega-project, Ethiopian Airlines is exploring various options, including loans from interested entities, Mesfin remarked.
Dar’s Operation Director, Tariq Al Qanni, underscored Ethiopian Airlines’ pivotal role in African connectivity and expressed confidence in the project’s potential to redefine air travel on the continent. Leveraging the design prowess of ZahaHadid and Pascal Watson, Dar aims to create a world-class airport city that meets the highest global standards.
“We are a one-stop shop,” said Tariq, adding “the way we deliver design is integrated and comprehensive. We manage the entire project with a single point of viability coupled with our vast experience in the design of airports from major aviation hubs that makes us unique and suitable for the job.”
BY DANIEL ALEMAYEHU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 10 AUGUST 2024
