Austria Eyes Ethiopian Aviation Sector in High-Level Bilateral Talks

The Ministry of Transport and Logistics of Ethiopia has held high-level bilateral discussions with a delegation from the Republic of Austria, focusing on enhancing investment cooperation in the transport and logistics sector, more in aviation.

The meeting was led by Bareo Hassan, State Minister of Transport and Logistics, and Andreas Richard, State Minister for Finance of Austria. During the discussion, State Minister Bareo highlighted Ethiopia’s rapid economic growth and the substantial progress being made in the transport and logistics sector. He emphasized that the Government of Ethiopia offers a conducive policy environment and robust institutional support for foreign investors interested in these sectors.

In response, Minister Andreas Richard underscored Austria’s extensive experience in the field of aviation and expressed strong interest in forging partnerships within Ethiopia’s growing air transport industry. He noted that Austria is prepared to take concrete steps toward cooperation, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in the near future to facilitate mutual investment efforts.

The delegation was further briefed by Kedilmagist Ibrahim, Advisor to the Minister, on investment opportunities and the enabling legal frameworks in key areas such as port development, railway infrastructure, public transportation, the Addis Ababa Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, and aviation services.

Austria possesses strong aviation capabilities marked by a modern, sustainability-focused flag carrier (Austrian Airlines), advanced maintenance innovation (including drone-based aircraft inspections), and a dynamic aerospace manufacturing sector led by firms like Diamond Aircraft and FACC AG. The country is renowned for producing light aircraft, certified engines, and high-tech composite components for global export. Backed by its national Aviation Strategy 2040+, Austria is committed to digitalization, environmental sustainability, and aviation R\&D, making it a credible and strategic partner for Ethiopia working on the aviation growth and modernization.