ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopian Airlines Group, a national flag carrier, is developing reliable and full-fledged aviation services to the African Airlines and the Middle East, the Ethiopian Airlines CEO said.
The African aviation maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) Africa and aviation training conference and exhibition is being held under the theme of “Strengthening Africa’s MRO and training facility for the future” with the host of Ethiopian.
Speaking at the occasion yesterday, Group CEO, Mesfin Tassew said that taking the necessity of effective services for the smooth operation and success of the airline, Ethiopian is currently developing a cutting-edge MRO facility to meet the growing demand of its aviation and other airlines in the region.
Apart from supporting Ethiopian Airlines, Mesfin further emphasized that this facility would have a pivotal role in providing MRO service such as airframe, engine and component maintenance, engineering and material services to the African airlines and the Middle East.
“Lack of adequate and reliable MRO service providers within the continent is hindering the African Aviation Industry. Besides, lack of sound strategy, weak internal capacities, shortage of aviation professionals, high fuel cost, traffic right restrictions among many others is hindering the development of the African Aviation industry,” the CEO noted.
Currently, it is constructing two more hangars, a modern component maintenance complex and a state-of-the-art aircraft parts warehouse which are expected to be completed by the end of 2024, Mesfin underlined.
He said: “The forum is a great opportunity for African airlines to meet with manufacturers, suppliers, exchange ideas, share experiences and to set insights for future directions.”
The Minister of Transport and Logistics State Minister, Denge Boru on his part stated that the government is aggressively working on developing a well-planned and efficient transportation system to unlock the country’s potential for a sustainable development and continental integration.
As to Dengu, for countries like Ethiopia, aviation is a strategic asset and serves as the vital means of transportation to Connect with countries, peoples, and cultures. Also, as the gateway to Africa, Ethiopia is strategically positioned to be a hub for air transport, serving as a crucial link between the African continent and the rest of the world.
Reassuring his ministry’s firm commitment, Dengu said that they are closely working with aviation stakeholders to ensure the growth and development of the industry not only in Ethiopia but across the African continent.
On the other hand, African Airlines Association Secretary-General, Abderahmane Berethe stated that Africa needs safe, secure, efficient, economically viable air transport to support integrated economic development.
Therefore, the aviation community must continue the ongoing joint efforts to transform and foster a sustainable and resilient air transport system in Africa.
The Air Transport sector’s priority in Africa is to address sustainability, stop marginalization, gain competitiveness, conquer the intra-Africa market, and grow the global market.
BY ASHENAFI ANIMUT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 25 APRIL 2024
