* Inaugurated Africa’s largest airport terminal
ADDIS ABABA- Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed urged the Ethiopian Airlines management to think about constructing airport terminal that is capable of accommodating 100 million passengers a year in the near future.
Inaugurating Africa’s largest Bole International Airport Expansion project worth 363 million USD on Sunday, the Premier said that this expansion work by itself is great achievement as it raises the airport’s annual passengers handling capacity from the current 6.7 million to 22 million per year .
Noting that the expansion project would only have short-term effect in enhancing the airport’s passenger traffic, PM Abiy said that the airlines should take into account the growing Ethiopian population and global market to equip the Bole Airport with modern facilities and logistics.
“The 22 million annual passengers handling capacity is not sufficient to provide seamless service for100 million Ethiopian population and the management should not satisfy with the existing successes and strive to boost the traffic handling capacity in the view to making the airline a source of national pride.”
The Prime Minister further revealed the plan to establish aviation university that would step up technical trainings that have been offered to pilots and cabin crew thereby nurturing capable professionals that could maintain Ethiopian leading status in Africa’s aviation industry. By paving the way for private sector’s involvement in the establishment of the university, Ethiopian Airlines would create institution that could be exemplary to Africa.
Earlier, the prime minister inaugurated the Ethiopian 5-star Skylight Hotel, which is located within a stone’s throw from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. With 373 rooms and multiple facilities sitting on 40,000 sqm, the 65 million worth hotel is the biggest such a facility in Ethiopia. The hotel is expected to help catalyze the inbound and outbound mobility of global passengers to Africa’s diplomatic capital and would enhance the travel experience of customers transiting via Bole Airport. PM Abiy noted that the airline is the pride of Ethiopia as it embodies the philosophy of Medemer.
Emphasizing that the greatness of Ethiopian rests in the synergistic work of all members of the organization, he called upon staff members to take their ownership to another level by buying into shares of the airline.
Advising the staff to maintain the spirit of servanthood to promote the positive image of the airliner and the country at large, Dr. Abiy has affirmed the support of his administration to further strengthening the flag carrier. Ethiopian Group CEO Tewolde Gebremariam said for his part that the airliner is striving to create a favorable environment for its over 16,000 employees and has so far provided 1,200 apartment houses.
Furthermore, the Group plans to transfer 12, 000 apartment houses for employees and facilitate conditions for them to own share in the new hotel. The inauguration ceremony was attended by African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, Ministers and highlevel government officials.
The Ethiopian Herald January 29 /2019
BY BILAL DERSO
