Ethiopian Airlines, the flag carrier of Ethiopia, is not just a transportation service; it is a symbol of the country’s resilience, innovation, and ambition.
Established in 1945, the airline has evolved into Africa’s largest and most successful airline, connecting the continent to the world while also playing a pivotal role in the global aviation landscape.
From pioneering advancements in aviation technology to achieving remarkable operational milestones, Ethiopian Airlines has a treasure trove of fascinating facts that reflect its unique identity and contributions to the industry.
In this article, we will explore some of the most captivating aspects of Ethiopian Airlines, shedding light on its rich history, remarkable achievements, and the vision that continues to drive its success.
History of Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines was founded on December 30, 1945, by Emperor Haile Selassie, with operations commencing on April 8, 1946.
Initially, it operated with five Douglas DC-3 propeller-driven aircraft, connecting Addis Ababa and Cairo. Over the decades, it has grown to become Africa’s largest airline, known for its efficiency and profitability.
Ethiopian Airlines has pioneered numerous advancements in aviation technology, including introducing the continent’s first jet service and operating modern aircraft like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350.
Today, it connects over 136 destinations worldwide, showcasing its significant role in global aviation.
With that said let’s have a look at some intriguing facts about Ethiopian Airlines;
1. Ethiopian Airlines was founded on December 21, 1945 and commenced operations on April 8, 1946.
2. It is the flag carrier of Ethiopia and is wholly owned by the country’s government.
3. Ethiopian Airlines is Africa’s largest airline in terms of passengers carried, destinations served, fleet size, and revenue.
4. The airline has been a member of the International Air Transport Association since 1959 and of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) since 1968.
5. Ethiopian Airlines joined Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline network, in December 2011.
6. The company slogan is ‘The New Spirit of Africa’.
7. Ethiopian’s hub and headquarters are at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, from where it serves a network of 155 passenger destinations—22 of them domestic—and 68 freighter destinations.
8. The airline has secondary hubs in Togo and Malawi.
9. Ethiopian Airlines was the first African carrier to order Boeing 787 Dreamliners in 2005.
10. It was also the first African airline to order and operate the Boeing 777-200LR.
11. Ethiopian Airlines was the first African airline to begin operating the Airbus A350 aircraft in 2016.
12. In November 2023, Ethiopian Airlines ordered 31 Boeing aircraft, including 20 737 MAXs and 11 787-9s.
13. On the same day, the airline ordered 11 more Airbus A350s, expanding its current order for this type to 33 aircraft.
14. On March 5, 2024, Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing announced an agreement for the purchase of eight 777-9 passenger aircraft, with the option for an additional 12.
15. Ethiopian’s combined aircraft fleet, made up of its several high-value models, is valued at $5.25 billion as of 2023.
16. In 2014, IATA ranked Ethiopian as the largest airline in Africa in revenue and profit.
17. Ethiopian Airlines has been registering an average growth of 25% per annum for the past ten years.
18. The airline is a multi-award winning airline, including SKYTRAX and Passenger Choice Awards in 2015.
19. Ethiopian Airlines was the first African carrier to fly to China.
20. The airline was not only the first Boeing Dreamliner operator in Africa but also has the largest Dreamliner fleet in the continent.
21. Ethiopian Airlines took delivery of its first Airbus A350 in 2016, becoming the first African airline to operate the type.
22. The airline’s new catering facilities expansion built with an investment of US$ 15 million has a capacity to produce 100,000 meals a day, up from the current 36,000.
23. Ethiopian Airlines is the first airline in Africa to own and operate aircraft such as Airbus A350, Boeing 787-8, Boeing 787-9, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-200 Freighter, Bombardier Q-400.
24. The airline is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2025 that will see it become the leading aviation group in Africa with Seven business units.
25. Ethiopian Airlines attributes its success to the four pillars of its growth strategy: human resource development, modern fleet, infrastructure development and technology.
Conclusion
Ethiopian Airlines stands as a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and innovation in the aviation industry.
From its humble beginnings in 1945 to becoming Africa’s largest and most successful airline, it has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in air travel.
With a commitment to safety, customer service, and sustainability, Ethiopian Airlines not only connects Africa to the world but also plays a crucial role in the continent’s economic development and cultural exchange.
The airline’s impressive fleet, extensive route network, and dedication to modern technology highlight its status as a leader in the global aviation landscape.
