Ethiopian Airlines Group, the largest aviation group in Africa,is expanding its operations by constructing five new local airports, as announced by the CEO of the organization.
Despite already serving 136 international destinations and 22 domestic ones, Ethiopian Airlines aims to bolster its domestic network with additional airports.
Mr. Mesfin Tasew, the executive of Ethiopian Airlines, revealed plans for new airports in Mizan Tepi, Yabelo, Gore, Mettu, and Debre Markos, with four expected to be operational within a year.
Mesfin emphasized that this expansion initiative is driven by the growing demands of domestic customers, with further construction plans contingent upon comprehensive destination studies.
In addition to this domestic expansion, efforts are underway to renovate damaged airports, such as the Aksum Airport and the Kebridehar Airport.
Ethiopian Airlines has set ambitious goals for its future, aiming to increase annual revenue to $25 billion by 2035 and transport 67 million passengers annually.
Furthermore, the airline has unveiled plans to commence the construction of the new $5 billion ‘Ethiopian Airport City’ within the next four years.
Lema Yadecha, the deputy CEO, highlighted the necessity of the ‘Airport City’ project to meet the rising customer demands and accommodate the sector’s rapid growth.
The proposed ‘Airport City’ is envisioned to feature modern amenities such as hotels, apartments, duty-free shopping centers, and a cargo logistics center.
The initial phase of the ‘Airport City’ project is slated to begin in the Oromia region, near Bishoftu city, with plans for subsequent phases to follow after completing feasibility studies and issuing international tenders.
Additionally, in a significant move last December, Ethiopian Airlines finalized agreements to purchase 78 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus aviation facilities, further solidifying its commitment to growth and modernization.
As part of its Vision 2035, Ethiopian aims to serve more than 209 international destinations with a fleet of over 271 modern and eco-friendly aircraft.Top of Form
Boeing plays a significant role in Ethiopian Airlines’ current fleet, comprising 29 787 Dreamliners, 20 777s, 27 Next-Generation 737s, 15 737 MAX, and 3 767 jets.
Ethiopian Airlines, recognized as the fastest-growing airlines brand globally and the continent’s largest airline brand, has emerged as a leader in African aviation over its seventy-seven years of operation.
In addition to its hub in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the airline pursues a multi-hub strategy through partnerships in Lomé, Togo; Lilongwe, Malawi; and Lusaka, Zambia, serving over 150 domestic and international destinations across five continents.
