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Chidozie Uzoezie

Ethiopian Airlines Invites African Countries to Buy its Shares


Ethiopian Airlines is undisputedly Africa’s largest airline by revenue and profit. Yet the state-owned carrier just doesn’t want to dominate the continent’s skies: it’s also looking to boost Africa’s fragmented airspace through increased connectivity, forming strategic alliances, besides launching or reviving new sovereign African airlines. Ethiopian’s latest pitch is that it shouldn’t just be Africa’s top airline in passenger numbers and destinations but also in its ownership structure.


The company’s head Tewolde Gabremariam, suggested the airline should be co-owned by African governments.


Tewolde said Ethiopia’s government should capitalize on the airline’s stature to consolidate its place in the African continent. “As a Pan-African airline, I don’t see any reason why we should not sell the minority shares of Ethiopian Airlines to African countries if they are interested in buying.”

More than anything, Tewolde’s bullish statement is reflective of the bold new era in Ethiopia. Since prime minister Abiy Ahmed came to power in April, he has overseen radical reforms that have changed the country’s trajectory. These include introducing a major policy aimed at loosening the government’s monopoly on several key economic sectors, including aviation and telecommunications. Tewolde’s words are also indicative of ET’s record success in improving its financial, operational, aircraft fleet, and annual passenger numbers. In the fiscal year ending July 2018, the carrier announced it bought a 45% stake to revive Zambia Airways, which went into liquidation way back in 1994.

To spread its regional footprint, it also kickstarted negotiations to establish new hubs in Mozambique, Chad, and Equatorial Guinea in addition to the ones it already operates in Malawi and Togo. And as part of its efforts to launch and manage new African haulers, the company recently said they were the lead contestant in a tender aimed at setting up Nigeria’s new national airline.

Looking to tap into improving intra-African travel, ET increased its African network to over 58 out of its over 100 international destinations, introducing flights to Kaduna, Nigeria; Kisangani in DR Congo, and Nosy-Be in Madagascar. In late July, the airline announced a deal with DHL to build the leading cargo logistics center in Africa. To attract more than its current 10.6 million passengers, the airline introduced a plan enabling travelers to discover and experience the many historical, cultural, religious and natural treasures of Ethiopia. As of June, Ethiopia introduced an e-visa service to all international visitors, easing access for passengers with layovers to enter the country.

Ethiopian has managed this even as airline performance in Africa remained weak, load factors remained inadequate, jet fuel prices rose, and competition stiffened from international carriers like Emirates. Tewolde says they hope to replicate the past “exceptional year” in the 2018/19 fiscal year.

One thing that will aid Ethiopian’s ambitions will the opening by the end of 2018 its China-built terminal upgrade in its main hub in Addis Ababa, effectively improving its on-ground customer service.

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Comments (33)

Guest
Sep 21, 2022

We just booked our QATAR 🇶🇦 HÔTEL yesterday for 2 différent short stars of 2 nights and 3 nights for the Final… https://www.14sb.com/fifa-world-cup-hotels.html . Not exactly cheap but ok price for 4.5 Stars luxury and in Doha Center City! Thanks and Good Luck everyone! Vamos MEXICO!

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Guest
Sep 30, 2022

Wow! Stunning! Hilton seems to be taking Africa by storm. Just a couple of years back, they opened the first ever in Eswatini.

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kasarokcaesar
Oct 24, 2022

Wonderful event and topics discussed, hopefully we see the manifestations in our African airline businesses in the nearest future. Kudos to you all.

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Guest
Nov 10, 2022

Hi, I'm Lucy. Please how do I embark on my travel/ tour business. I am newbie and help..

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Guest
Nov 18, 2022

Prices in the Sol Torremolinos Don Pablo are the same than two weeks ago.

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Guest
Dec 04, 2022

Good location astounding but the staffs are rude and they make me wait so long for the service. They charge me more than what is on the website and did not refund me the manager is not helping with the issue


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Guest
Dec 15, 2022

WoW. Amazing Review. 👍

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Guest
Jan 07, 2023

I spent the holidays here, I don't know why but during the holidays their reception smells like a piss Id rather not spend my special occasions here

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Guest
Aug 07, 2023
Replying to

Where is here.

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Guest
Jan 27, 2023

Thank you for sharing such a detailed review about ethiopian airlines in your post. I am an avid traveller and keep reading flight reviews to assess the options available. Your review particularly drew my attention because you have shared so many pictures to capture every aspect of the flight experience. It is a very nice effort.


More Info : https://www.cleartrip.ae/flight-booking/ethiopian-air-airlines.html

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Guest
Feb 27, 2023

I am really tempted to book the next ethiopian airlines ticket and relive your journey. The pictures shared with the post also reflect that you truly enjoyed the travel. Great post! I also like the fact that you have covered nuances about the food and entertainment service through the pictures. It helps people know what to expect on their travel by this airline.


More Info : https://www.cleartrip.ae/flight-booking/ethiopian-air-airlines.html


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