2merkato

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, the largest airline in Africa, has concluded a contract with Zambian to restart Zambian Airlines’ service with an initial cost of USD 30 million after its two decades inactivity. The Ethiopian flag carrier has been buying shares from different African airlines to gain a competitive advantage over competitors such as those in the Gulf. The Airlines has excelled its regional rivals, South African Airways and Kenyan Airways, by revenue and profit.

Ethiopia’s flag carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, will take delivery of Airbus A350-900 jetliner by May 2016, for the company’s 70th anniversary celebration.

The jetliner is going to be the first of its kind in Africa. Commenting on the development, Airbus said there was an established customer support in Ethiopians’ premises which will work closely with Ethiopian Airlines to ensure the smooth entry into service of the A350XWB with the airline.

Ethiopian Airlines will receive its first B777 freighter aircraft on the 19th of September from Boeing at Everett, Washington.
Ethiopian will be the first carrier to operate the ultra modern freighter in Africa according to the press statement released by the airline.

The B777 is unparalleled in freighter aircraft for long range capabilities, temperature control for fresh produce and life science materials, exceptional cargo and fuel efficiency according to Tewolde Gebremariam Chief Executive of the airline.  

Ethiopian expects to deploy this aircraft on longer freight routes to transport fruits and vegetables and flowers in an effort to expand and enhance cargo services he said.

Ethiopian Airlines is going to receive a second Cabin Emergency Evacuation Trainer (CEET) from EDM, aircraft training simulator supplier.