In celebration of March 8, Ethiopian Airlines operated 8 flights led entirely by women, celebrating 8 decades of the airline’s legacy and honoring women’s contributions to aviation.
Ethiopian Airlines Group, the largest airline group in Africa, marked International Women’s Day with all women functioned flights to eight destinations, highlighting the airline’s 8 decades in service.
Ethiopian celebrated the occasion and announced the launch of the flights at a grand event held on the evening of 07 March 2026 at Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, attended by government officials, the airline’s executives, women leaders, and women employees representing Ethiopian Airlines’ workforce and partner organizations. The all women functioned flights are operated to Cairo, Djibouti, Nairobi, Frankfurt, Accra, Mumbai, Windhoek, and Dire Dawa.
Commenting on the event, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said,
“Ethiopian Airlines has consistently led the way in advancing women’s participation across all
areas of its business, ensuring equal opportunities in flight operations, leadership, and corporate
positions. Through our inclusive culture and strong commitment to training and professional
development, we have empowered women to thrive in various roles including those traditionally
dominated by men. This year’s celebration is especially unique as we are marking the day with 8
all women functioned flights highlighting our 80th anniversary.”
Women currently represent approximately 40% of the Ethiopian Airlines Group workforce, serving across diverse business divisions. Ethiopian Airlines has been operating all women functioned flights in celebration of the International Women’s Day since 2015. The eight flights symbolize the 8 decades Ethiopian Airlines has been in service, highlighting the beginning of the airline’s journey back in 1946 with a scheduled flight to Cairo, Egypt.
About Ethiopian
Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is a true African success story, transforming a visionary dream into a globally renowned reality for nearly eight decades. Operating flights to more than 160 domestic and international passenger, and cargo destinations across five continents, Ethiopian bridges the gaps between Africa and the world. Emphasizing passenger comfort and environmental sustainability, Ethiopian utilizes ultra-modern aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900, A350-1000 and De Havilland Q400.
Ethiopian, the Star Alliance member airline, champions in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for eight consecutive years, APEX ‘Best Overall in Africa’ award and ‘Leadership in Connecting Africa through Transport’ Award among others. Ethiopian aims to further excel in its success through a strategic plan dubbed ‘Vision 2035’ and become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world. Embracing a Pan-African spirit, Ethiopian is pursuing multi-hub strategy through hubs in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines, in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways, and in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with Air Congo.