By Simple Flying
Ethiopian Airlines, the host of the upcoming 11th African Airlines Association (AFRAA) convention, remains committed to developing intra-Africa connectivity through partnerships with airlines from different regions.
Ethiopian Airlines (ET) is a member of AFRAA, which allows it to play an active role in developing African aviation. The airlines’ association will host its 11th stakeholder’s convention from the 7th to the 9th of May in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Changing the African aviation narrative
AFRAA has been discussing the challenges faced by African airlines and has decided to implement measures to develop the African market. In an interview with Jon Howell, CEO of AviaDev, AFRAA Secretary General Mr Abderahmane Berthe, and Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Ato Mesfin Tasew Bekele gave an insight into the agenda of the convention.
Ethiopian Airlines, the host of the upcoming 11th African Airlines Association (AFRAA) convention, remains committed to developing intra-Africa connectivity through partnerships with airlines from different regions.
Ethiopian Airlines (ET) is a member of AFRAA, which allows it to play an active role in developing African aviation. The airlines’ association will host its 11th stakeholder’s convention from the 7th to the 9th of May in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Changing the African aviation narrative
AFRAA has been discussing the challenges faced by African airlines and has decided to implement measures to develop the African market. In an interview with Jon Howell, CEO of AviaDev, AFRAA Secretary General Mr Abderahmane Berthe, and Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Ato Mesfin Tasew Bekele gave an insight into the agenda of the convention.
A court case is delaying the introduction of Nigeria Air into commercial service. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) disputed the government’s decision to give ET a 49% stake in the new airline. Ato Mesfin Tasew Bekele hopes the court case will be over soon. He said in the interview with AviaDev;
“We have also reached an agreement with the Nigerian government on nearly all terms. So now we’re ready to start the airline, except there is one obstacle. That obstacle is a court case. A group of smaller Nigerian airlines went to court and blocked or brought a temporary order to suspend the establishment of the airline. And we expect the court case will be closed in the coming few weeks in favor of establishing the airline.”
Ethiopian Airlines intends to enable Nigeria to have a reliable national carrier. ET offers excellent connectivity to the Nigerian market, serving four cities, but there isn’t a connection between Nigeria and Europe. Ato Mesfin Tasew says the new flag carrier will link the two regions.
Partnerships in West and Central Africa
Ethiopian Airlines has strong partnerships strategically located in Western, Central, and Southern Africa to gain better access to local markets. It has a partnership with Togo’s Asky Airlines. The airline serves more than 25 destinations in Western and Central Africa.
Ethiopian has also partnered with Malawi Airlines to serve Southern and Eastern Africa. It uses the ET flight code and currently serves seven regional destinations. The Malawian government has a 51% stake in the airline, while Ethiopian owns 49%. Ato Mesfin Tasew added that;
“Our multi-hub strategy will enable us to reach more Africans and provide a more convenient, affordable air transport service among Africans and connecting Africa to the rest of the world.”
Ethiopian Airlines plans to expand its service to Central Africa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The group CEO said,
“We have already finalized the contract with the government; it will be a joint venture between Ethiopian Airlines and the government of DRC. We are waiting for a final go-ahead from the government. But all the paperwork has been finalized. In fact, it is ahead of the Nigerian initiative. We’re just waiting for the government to press the button.”