The International Air Transport Association may have had low expectations for African airlines this year.
But one national carrier is rising above speculation – and has the numbers to prove it.
Ethiopian Airlines has reported revenue is up 10 percent and passenger numbers are 20 percent higher compared to last year.
This is in stark contrast to other African carriers — such as South African Airways and Nigeria’s Arik Air — which are battling to stay in the skies.
“We are very strong in cost management; we have cost-saving strategy running year to year. And some of it is structural and strategic cost saving. Some part of it is annual cost saving. So that has helped us a lot. And the business model, the strategy that we have designed in Vision 2025 has been also sound one.” Tewolde Gebremariam, the Group CEO, Ethiopian Airlines said
Ethiopian Airlines also prides itself on being a leader in aviation technology and services on the continent.
“Today we are among the very few airlines in the world which are operating the 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350 together. We are not only continuing to lead aviation technology in Africa, but also being among very few airlines in the world to combine the latest technology in aviation.” Tewolde Gebremariam further said.
To maintain these standards, the carrier has established an aviation academy – becoming a front-runner in training thousands of young people from across Africa.
“Ethiopian is the leading aviation industry in Africa. And coming here …it’s a privilege. We learn a lot of skills, a lot of service and in service safety. And even how to relate and interact with people. So I believe I’m gaining the knowledge which I can in turn go back to my country and impact my country.” Fonakueka Angiachi, Trainee, Ethiopian airlines aviation academy said
“This was my passion since I was I think 8 years old. I was watching my neighbour going to ET each and every morning and I was actually seeing myself in her shoes. And now it has finally happened. I’m about to be a cabin crew. I’m very happy .Yes it’s defiantly a dream job.” Eden Gebreegzi, Trainee, Ethiopian airlines aviation academy said
Ethiopian Airlines is plays an important role in connecting Africa to China – with daily flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.
And the carrier is planning to further deepen this relationship by using the Chinese-made small Y-12 aircraft for its domestic routes.
Ethiopian Airlines is an African success story. Some experts say it’s the perfect example of what can be achieved if strategic government policies and qualified officials at state-owned enterprises work in sync
