-ECAA marks 80 years of progress
ADDIS ABABA–The Ministry of Transport and Logistics (MoTL) has committed to positioning Ethiopia’s aviation industry as a leading hub of excellence and international competitiveness in the coming years.
In a press briefing yesterday, MoTL’s State Minister, Dhenge Boru, outlined this vision in anticipation of the 80th anniversary of Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA), which will be celebrated from December 9 to December 11, 2024. The event, themed “Safe Skies, Sustainable Future ICAO80,” will highlight the achievements so far and present the roadmap for Ethiopia to become a central aviation hub in Africa and a global competitor over the next 18 years.
The anniversary event, organized by ECAA in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the East Africa Civil Aviation Regional Office, will be held at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa.
In his remarks, the State Minister also noted that Ethiopia recently hosted the Green Mobility 2024 and PIDA Weeks in November, both aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and infrastructure development.
He highlighted the vital role the aviation industry has played in modernizing Ethiopia’s transport sector. Over the past eight decades, the industry has been crucial in connecting Africa with the global community, with Ethiopian Airlines at the forefront. ECAA has served as the backbone of Ethiopian Airlines’ success.
ECAA’s Director-General, Getachew Mengistie, also emphasized the sector’s critical contribution to Ethiopia’s socioeconomic development, tourism, trade, and investment growth. “ECAA has made significant progress, contributing 15% to 20% growth in recent years,” he stated. “The aviation sector now handles over 17 million passengers and transports more than 700,000 metric tons of goods annually.”
Getachew further noted that the Ethiopian Airlines now serves 141 international destinations, making ECAA one of the most connected and leading aviation authorities in Africa. The number of registered aircraft has grown to 240, up from just five in the early years.
Ethiopia’s aviation infrastructure includes 23 operational airports, 12 air operators, five aviation training institutions, and two maintenance facilities. With over 6,000 pilots and more than 8,000 technicians, the sector is expanding, with 22 additional airports under construction. Ethiopia also achieved an impressive 88.5% safety performance in air services, surpassing the 60% target set for developing countries, he elaborated.
The 80th anniversary event is expected to attract 300 participants from around the world. It will feature exhibitions and conferences focused on sharing experiences, skills, and technology, further strengthening global aviation collaboration.
It is worth recalling that the ICAO was established in Chicago, where 52 countries agreed on how to regulate and manage international air transport. Ethiopia was one of the founding signatories of this important agreement.
BY MESERET BEHAILU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 3 DECEMBER 2024
