@FlyEthiopian – Ethiopian Business Review

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Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and most profitable carrier, has officially commenced passenger flights to Hyderabad, India, marking its fifth destination in the country.

The inaugural flight ceremony, was attended by Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew, Indian Ambassador to Ethiopia Shri Anil Kumar Rai, and other high-ranking officials from both nations.

Speaking at the event, the group CEO emphasized that the new route enhances connectivity not only between Ethiopia and India but also provides broader access to the African continent through Ethiopian’s extensive network of over 140 international destinations.

Ambassador Rai underscored the strategic importance of Hyderabad, calling it a “key commercial and innovation hub in India,” and welcomed the direct air link as a catalyst for deeper bilateral engagement across sectors.

The new route strengthens Ethiopian Airlines’ presence in the Indian subcontinent, joining its existing services to New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai.

Hyderabad, the capital of India’s Telangana state, is a major economic and cultural hub known for its thriving information technology, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries. Often called “Cyberabad,” the city hosts global tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, and is home to Genome Valley, a leading biotech cluster. Its Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is among the top-ranked in Asia, serving as a strategic gateway to southern India. With a rich historical legacy and a growing reputation in medical tourism and education, Hyderabad plays a pivotal role in connecting India to global markets—making it a valuable addition to Ethiopian Airlines’ expanding network.

This development comes just two weeks after the airline launched its new route to Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, now its second destination in the UAE after Dubai. The move underscores Ethiopian’s strategic commitment to route diversification and global network growth, aligned with its Vision 2035 strategy.

Ethiopian Airlines has emerged as the leading player in Africa’s cargo aviation sector, now holding 35 percent of the continent’s market share, according to a new report by the African Finance Corporation (AFC). The airline has significantly expanded its annual cargo capacity, growing from 266,000 tons in 2016 to 715,000 tons by 2023.

The AFC report also highlights persistent gaps in intra-African air transport. In regions such as West Africa, European carriers continue to dominate cargo and passenger traffic. Kenyan Airways and Royal Air Maroc, the next closest competitors, together account for only 25 percent of the cargo market, signaling a sharp contrast in competitiveness.

The report commends Ethiopia and Kenya for using their national airlines to strengthen export trade and urges other African countries to adopt similar strategies. Ethiopian Airlines currently operates 16 dedicated cargo aircraft and serves 60 international destinations, with half located within Africa. The airline plans to expand its cargo fleet to 37 aircraft by the year 2035, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the sector.

In addition, the report praises Ethiopia’s advances in digital infrastructure, particularly in the rapid growth of telecom service users and the increasing adoption of digital technologies. These developments are positioning the country as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.

Despite such progress, the AFC identifies weak infrastructure as a major constraint to the growth and competitiveness of Africa’s aviation sector. Addressing these limitations is seen as critical to unlocking further potential.

The report also identifies other high-potential sectors across the continent. These include mining, agriculture, logistics, and digital infrastructure. Ethiopia is highlighted as the top wheat producer in sub-Saharan Africa, with wheat cultivation rising from 5,000 hectares in 2018 to 650,000 hectares in 2023.

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Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier and one of the world’s fastest-growing airline brands, has marked a significant milestone with the graduation of 974 aviation professionals from its Aviation University. The graduation ceremony, held on May 3, 2025, at Ethiopian Aviation University in Addis Ababa, was attended by ambassadors, international representatives, airline executives, graduates’ families, and distinguished guests.

The graduates specialized in various fields including Aircraft Maintenance (184), Pilot Training (43), Cabin Crew (448), Commercial Operations (255), and Hotel Operations (44). The cohort represents a diverse mix of African nationalities, alongside international trainees, with notable representation from China. Among them are 38 Chinese, 34 Congolese, 19 Mozambicans, 8 Cameroonians, 2 Gabonese, and one each from Zambia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Sierra Leone. Of the total graduates, 614 are female and 360 male—underscoring Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to gender inclusion in the aviation industry.

“This is a proud moment for Ethiopian Airlines,” said Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew. “Our graduates have demonstrated exceptional dedication and academic excellence. I am confident they will carry forward the values, skills, and knowledge they have gained here. Ethiopian Aviation University, with its advanced technologies and expert faculty, will remain a beacon of aviation excellence for Africa and beyond.”

Established nearly 70 years ago, Ethiopian Aviation University has trained over 20,000 aviation professionals from Ethiopia, across the continent, and internationally. Since earning university status in March 2023, the institution has expanded its academic offerings to include degree programs such as BSc in Aeronautical Engineering, BSc in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, BSc in Aviation Management, BA in Tourism and Hospitality Management, and an MBA in Aviation Management.

The university currently operates in Addis Ababa, Hawassa, and Dire Dawa, with a capacity to train approximately 4,000 students annually. Under Ethiopian Airlines’ long-term “Vision 2035,” that number is expected to grow to 7,000 in the coming years.

This latest graduation not only reaffirms Ethiopian Airlines’ leadership in aviation training but also highlights its enduring partnership with China. The airline was the first African carrier to establish direct flights to China in 1973, a relationship that continues to deepen through education and skill transfer.

Ethiopian Airlines has introduced a Boeing 737-800 Business Jet to its fleet, dedicated exclusively to VIP and small-group charter flights. The move signals the airline’s growing focus on premium travel, catering to Africa’s investors, business leaders, diplomats, and high-profile travelers seeking world-class service with greater flexibility and privacy.

According to Ethiopian Airlines, the newly acquired aircraft is tailored for a superior in-flight experience, featuring a spacious and elegantly designed cabin with premium seating. Configured to accommodate 19 passengers for commercial operations and 32 for private use, the jet provides an exclusive, intimate atmosphere. Passengers can enjoy state-of-the-art entertainment on up to 42-inch monitors, high-speed Wi-Fi, and personalized onboard dining.

“With the addition of this Boeing 737-800 Business Jet, we are elevating our charter service to new heights,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew. “This is yet another step in our commitment to fostering business and investment opportunities across Africa and beyond.”

Beyond luxury, the new Business Jet enhances convenience and efficiency, offering flexible flight schedules, access to private terminals, and extended range capabilities for seamless short- and medium-haul charter operations. Ethiopian Airlines’ latest offering strengthens its position as Africa’s premier aviation group, reinforcing its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of business and elite travelers.

Africa’s Largest Carrier Expands Indian Reach with New Hyderabad Route

Ethiopian Airlines Controls Over One-Third of Africa’s Cargo Market

Ethiopian Airlines Honors Nearly 1,000 New Aviation Students

Ethiopian Airlines Expands VIP Charter Services with Boeing 737-800 Business Jet