Ethiopian Airlines Group, the continent’s leading airline, has been awarded as “Airline
of the Year – Global Operations” for the 8th time, at the African Airlines Association
(AFRAA) 56th Annual General Assembly & Summit held in Cairo, Egypt.
The AFRAA annual award recognizes excellence in global service delivery, innovation,
and competitiveness in airlines, individuals, and service providers in the African aviation
industry. Ethiopian Airlines was specifically recognized for its outstanding performance,
demonstrated by impressive profitability for the financial year ending June 2023,
exemplary cooperation with other carriers, advancements in cargo services across the
continent, and an extensive route network that connects Africa to the rest of the world.
In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew
passionately stated, “Receiving the Airline of the Year – Global Operations award from AFRAA
is not merely an accolade; it is a powerful affirmation of the commitment and resilience of our
team. This award mirrors our unwavering mission to enhance Africa’s connectivity and fuel
economic growth. At Ethiopian Airlines, we don’t just fly; we connect dreams, cultures, and
opportunities.”
He added, “I wish to extend my deepest appreciation to our management and staff, whose
relentless efforts fuel our success, as well as to AFRAA and our fellow airlines for acknowledging
our hard work.”
Unrivalled in Africa for its operational efficiency and success, Ethiopian Airlines has
continued offering customers convenient global connectivity and an enhanced travel
experience. With its unwavering commitment to excellence, the airline is poised for
continued growth and innovation in the aviation sector. Ethiopian Airlines has
consistently demonstrated its commitment to servicing the continent by expanding its
network, investing in state-of-the-art aircraft, and providing world-class customer
service.
The airline has played a vital role in promoting trade and tourism, connecting various
African nations and fostering stronger economic ties with destinations around the globe.
This latest accolade from AFRAA solidifies Ethiopian Airlines’ reputation as a benchmark
for quality in the African aviation sector and reflects its ongoing strides toward
contributing to the continent’s growth and integration.
The 56th AFRAA Annual General Assembly and Summit that was held on 17 – 19
November 2024 in Cairo is the biggest aviation Summit in Africa and attended by
Chairmen and CEOs from African airlines, ICAO, IATA, AFCAC, civil aviation
authorities, airport companies, air navigation services providers as well as aircraft and
engine manufacturers, component suppliers, and many other service providers.
About Ethiopian
Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is one of the fastest-growing airlines brand globally
and the continent’s largest airline brand. In its seventy-eight years of successful
operations, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in
efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the African
passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than
150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents.
Ethiopian’s fleet category consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft
such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900, Airbus A350-100 and De Havilland
Q400.
Ethiopian is also pursuing multi-hub strategy through hubs in Lomé, Togo with ASKY,
in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways.
Having achieved its strategic plan (Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently
implementing a 15-year strategic plan Vision 2035 that will see it become one of the top
20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world. Ethiopian has been
champion in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’
for seven consecutive years among others. The airline has been a Star Alliance member
since 2011 and has been registering more than threefold growth in the past 10 years.