Ethiopian Airlines, Ethiopia’s flag carrier, Cargo Division announced plans to forward horticultural products from farms to the international market last Thursday at a briefing session at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

The meeting was chaired by Tewolde Woldemariam, Chief Executive Officer and Haileselassie Tekie, Director General of the Ethiopia Horticultural Development.

Ethiopian Airlines has never made a significant profit from horticulture cargo but is committed to supporting the sector noted Tewolde.

Ethiopian Airlines is ready to absorb all risks in spite of the challenges associated with high fuel costs with the long term benefits in mind said Tewolde.

Ethiopian Airlines set up a department to set up operations but postponed its plan to launch the new system next week after receiving criticism from operators in the industry including the three companies that are currently offering forwarding services.

The Airlines management expects to create a supervisory board to oversee the new system made up by eight representatives from growers, the growers association, and the federal agency in charge of regulating the industry.

Ethiopian Airlines was unable to disclose the costs associated with the new system which was considered inappropriate for system initially expected to go online in a three day according to a flower grower.

The supervisory board was formed at the same meeting in spite of significant debate on whether more time should be given.

Source: Addis Fortune