A training aircraft operated by Ethiopian Aviation University, Hawassa Branch, was involved in an accident that resulted in the death of a teenager.
According to a statement issued by the university, the aircraft, a Diamond DA40NG, was on a routine pilot training exercise when it encountered a technical issue, forcing it to make an emergency landing near Arsi Negele in Oromia, central Ethiopia.
The university emphasized that both the instructor and the student onboard made significant efforts to land the aircraft safely and minimize any danger to the surrounding community.
Despite their best efforts, the accident claimed the life of a teenager. The university expressed its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.
Ethiopian Aviation University conveyed its sorrow over the incident and extended its heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family.
The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by Ethiopian civil aviation authorities and other government organizations, the University said.
Ethiopian Aviation University, a subsidiary of Ethiopian Airlines, is renowned for training various aviation professionals, offering courses in piloting, aviation technical skills, flight operations, food preparation, and other related disciplines.
The university attracts trainees not only from Ethiopia but also from several African countries, making it a leading institution for aviation training in the region.
In other developments, Ethiopian Airlines recently signed an agreement with Dar Company to design a new airport.
This state-of-the-art facility, with a capacity to handle 100 million passengers per year, will be constructed in Bishoftu, Oromia.
The new airport is intended to replace the current Bole International Airport, which has a capacity of only 25 million passengers per year.
During the signing ceremony, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, announced that the airport, will be built at “Abu Sera,” in two phases over five years, with the first phase expected to cost $6 billion.
The design for this ambitious project was selected by Dar, a company based in the United Arab Emirates.
In a significant recognition of its contributions, Ethiopian Airlines was honored with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by U.S. President Joe Biden on August 8, 2024.
The award, presented during the 8th Annual Gala Dinner hosted by the Black IAM organization at the Hilton Atlanta Airport Hotel, acknowledges institutions and individuals who have made substantial contributions to the American people.
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and most successful airline, received this accolade for its outstanding service to U.S. citizens over the past 25 years.
In a statement following the award, the airline highlighted that this recognition reflects its ongoing commitment to excellence in the aviation industry.
