It has long been well recognized and the reality on the ground has even revealed that Ethiopian is keeping on as emerging beacon of excellence in African aviation, notably known for its setting industry standards and fostering economic growth across the continent. Established in 1945, the airline has grown from a small local carrier into Africa’s largest and most successful airline via playing a crucial role in connecting the continent to the world.
According to CEO, Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines has consistently embraced innovation and modernization. It has been one of the first airlines in Africa to utilize jet aircraft, and it has continually updated its fleet with the latest models, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350. Not only does this commitment to modernizing its fleet enhance passenger comfort but it has also improved fuel efficiency and operational sustainability.
It is recurrently heralded that Ethiopian Airlines has boomed an extensive network spanning over 125 destinations worldwide, including more than 60 destinations within Africa. This expansive reach positions the airline as a vital connector, facilitating trade, tourism, and cultural exchange across the continent and beyond. The airline has also established strategic partnerships and code-sharing agreements with other international carriers, and such a bold move has helped it further enhance its global connectivity.
Ethiopian Airlines plays a pivotal role in blossoming the Ethiopian economy. As a state-owned enterprise, it contributes significantly to job creation and economic development, too. The airline directly employs thousands of people and indirectly supports many more in related sectors, such as tourism and hospitality.
By providing reliable air travel options, Ethiopian Airlines has significantly boosted tourism in Ethiopia and other African countries. The airline’s hub in Addis Ababa serves as a gateway for tourists exploring Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage, including the historical sites of Lalibela and Aksum, as well as its stunning natural landscapes situated in different parts of the country.
Recognizing the importance of environmental sustainability, Ethiopian Airlines is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint. The airline has implemented various initiatives, such as investing in fuel-efficient aircraft and exploring sustainable aviation fuels. True, it aims at leading the way in promoting sustainable travel within the region.
Ethiopian Airlines is also committed to developing the next generation of aviation professionals. The airline operates one of the largest aviation academies in Africa, which has been providing pilots, engineers, and other aviation specialists with effective training and skill developing endeavors. This investment in human capital not only supports the airline’s growth but also contributes to the overall development of the aviation sector in Africa.
Despite its successes, Ethiopian Airlines was facing challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted global travel. However, the airline demonstrated resilience by adapting its operations and focusing on cargo services during the downturn. This agility has allowed it to recover more quickly than many competitors.
Ethiopian Airlines marked a historic milestone by welcoming its first Airbus A350-1000 into its fleet, which can potentially make it the first African carrier to operate this advanced aircraft. This new addition is not just an achievement for the airline but also a significant step in Ethiopian’s ambitious Vision 2035 strategy, which has aimed at expanding its fleet, destinations, passenger numbers, and revenue. The A350-1000, named “Ethiopia Land of Origins” and registered as ET-BAW, has already begun making its mark with flights across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
The inaugural flight for ET-BAW took place on November 7, 2024, from Addis Ababa to Lagos, Nigeria. After receiving a grand water cannon salute upon arrival at Lagos’ Murtala Mohammed International Airport, the aircraft’s onboard experience received high praise from passengers. Following its return to Addis Ababa, ET-BAW continued its travels, heading to Dubai, Accra, and Paris, demonstrating its versatility across key routes. On November 10, it added Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar to its destinations, marking Dubai as its first intercontinental stop over plot.
Ethiopian Airlines has big plans for its new A350-1000 fleet ET-BAW is currently dedicated to promotional flights, with plans to deploy it on long-haul routes once the second A350-1000 arrives in December. High-profile routes, such as Washington-Dulles, are next in line to benefit from this new fleet, signaling the airline’s commitment to enhancing passenger comfort and expanding intercontinental connections.
Ethiopian Airlines has consistently set the pace for African aviation. As Africa’s largest airline by fleet size and destinations, Ethiopian has pioneered significant achievements, including being the first African airline to operate the Boeing 787 and now the A350-1000. In July 2022, the airline ordered four A350-1000s, with the remaining three expected to arrive by early 2025. Mesfin emphasized the airline’s pride in adopting the A350-1000, highlighting its state-of-the-art technology, superior fuel efficiency, and minimal environmental impact.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Airbus A350-1000 to our fleet, solidifying our position as leaders in aviation technology. This aircraft embodies cutting-edge advancements, offering superior passenger comfort, enhanced fuel efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. Together, we are pioneering a sustainable future for aviation in Africa,” said Mesafin.
The A350-1000 is designed with passenger experience at its core. Equipped with 46 business class seats with direct aisle access and 349 economy seats, the aircraft provides comfort across all classes. Its Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines enhance fuel efficiency, and passengers can enjoy the Thales AVANT up in flight entertainment system, ensuring a premium journey experience.
Since receiving its first A350-900 in 2016, Ethiopian Airlines has steadily grown its A350 fleet, which now includes 21 aircraft with 14 more on the way. The smaller A350-900 variant, seating 30 business and 313 economy passengers, serves a range of destinations, from London and Frankfurt to Johannesburg and Toronto, underscoring the airline’s extensive international reach.
With its A350-1000 fleet, Ethiopian Airlines is well-positioned to lead Africa into a new era of aviation. As the airline connects more cities across continents; besides it continues to elevate the continent’s global presence in aviation. The arrival of the A350-1000 is more than a fleet expansion as it has confidently become a testament to Ethiopian Airlines’ dedication to innovation, sustainability, and exceptional service.
Ethiopian Airlines stands as a landmark in African aviation showcasing the potential for growth and excellence within the continent. Through its commitment to innovation, economic development, sustainability, and training, the airline continues to lead the way in transforming African air travel. As it looks to the future, Ethiopian Airlines remains dedicated to connecting Africa to the world and setting new benchmarks for the aviation industry. Meanwhile, recently, the Ethiopian Airlines Group has announced plan to significantly expand its global reach by adding five new international flight destinations to its network during the current fiscal year.
As to the CEO, the airline’s ambitious growth strategy has aimed at augmenting passenger traffic and revenue. Ethiopian Airlines, a leading African aviation company, is committed to achieving annual revenue of 25 billion USD and transporting approximately 67 million passengers by 2035. To support this goal, the airline is investing in new aircraft and expanding its international network. Following the successful launch of five new international routes in the previous fiscal year, Ethiopian Airlines plans to add destinations including Amsterdam, Netherlands; Monrovia, Liberia; Port Sudan; and Dhaka, Bangladesh this year, Mesfin revealed.
“The Airlines is also actively working to establish flights to Australia within the next two years with a view to expanding its global coverage to all continents. To meet the growing demand for air travel, it is not only purchasing new aircraft but also exploring leasing and other options to provide comfortable and extensive flight services. As capital intensive enterprise, it surpassed the income generation capacity of other producing sectors utilizing huge labor forces.”
Ethiopia is a land locked country and is heavily dependent on the neighboring countries ports. The situation is not reliable in building self-sustaining innovative economy. Most airline companies in Africa has low performance record as compared to the Ethiopian, this implies that Ethiopian has high market potential which boost its income.
Because the cost of port services of the neighboring countries often is changing and whenever they face economic hardship they incur additional price on the port services which is unbearable to our country and until Ethiopia secure its own port even though transporting freights by flight is expensive Ethiopian can play crucial role in filling the gap. Currently fresh agricultural products are exported to the foreign markets through the Ethiopian airline and in this regard the company plays pivotal role in boosting foreign currency earnings. Therefore, to enhance its travel destiny, rigorous efforts should be exerted.
BY ABEBE WOLDEGIORGIS
The Ethiopian Herald December 1/2024
