@IATA – 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.

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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 anticipates achieving one trillion ETB ($8 billion) in annual revenue by June 2025, marking a significant milestone in its growth. Group CEO Mesfin Tasew shared this ambitious projection during an interview with BBC News. The airline planned a revenue of $10 billion in 2025, when it crafted its strategic 15-year plan. However, the outbreak of COVID affected the airlines’ revenue as global restrictions on travel affected airlines tremendously.

As part of its expansion, Ethiopian Airlines is making significant strides in the global aviation industry with its plans for a new mega airport in Bishouftu, 43km southeast of Addis Ababa. This airport, to be developed in two phases, will have a transformative impact. Phase One, with a capacity to handle 60 million passengers per year, is set to commence in November this year and be completed by 2029. The second phase, adding another 50 million passenger capacity, will follow shortly thereafter. The new airport, built on 3,500 hectares of land, will make the biggest airport in Afric, symbolising Ethiopia’s leading position in aviation. To ensure the well-being of those affected by the relocation, the airline is constructing residential homes, agro-processing hubs, and trade facilities, ready for the families by November 2025. This new facility will address the growing demand, as Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, despite continuous expansions, has reached its limit of 25 million passengers per year.

This massive infrastructure project directly responds to the increasing number of passengers Ethiopian Airlines serves, both within Africa and globally. In 2024, a report by the African Airlines Association ranked Addis Ababa Bole Airport as the third-busiest airport in Africa, trailing only Cairo and Johannesburg.

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.

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