The United States is seeking opportunities for American companies to participate in Ethiopian Airlines’ planned USD 12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport project, according to a senior official at the US Department of Commerce.

Mark Mitchell, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for the Middle East and Africa, said the department was working to secure American participation in the project following discussions with Ethiopian Airlines officials in Addis Ababa.

Mitchell made the remarks during a virtual press briefing held alongside the Africa Logistics and Communications Symposium.

He did not provide details on the specific areas in which US companies could participate. However, he said involvement in the airport project could support additional purchases of Boeing aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines.

Ethiopian Airlines agreed in April 2026 to purchase six additional Boeing 787 9 Dreamliners, adding to 20 aircraft of the same model already on order.

Construction of the new airport began in January 2026 near Bishoftu, approximately 45 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa. The project is expected to include four runways and is scheduled for completion in 2030.

The African Development Bank has committed USD 500 million to the project and is leading efforts to mobilise a further USD 8.7 billion in financing.

Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew said in April that financial institutions from the United States had expressed interest in participating in the airport development.

The project is intended to address capacity constraints at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and support the airline’s expanding passenger, cargo and international operations.

Mitchell also said the US Department of Commerce was seeking stronger cooperation with the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute as part of efforts to promote American artificial intelligence technologies and related exports.

Source: Reuters

Image source: Ethiopian Airlines