Since 1951 when Ethiopian Airlines commenced international flights, it has remained a huge figure in Africa’s aviation industry. Its role in the inception and foundation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) is invaluable.
The motto of the airline, “Bringing Africa Together”, which was issued in the 1960s, demonstrated its aspiration to bring the continent closer in the immediate post-colonial period. Seventeen African countries became independent in 1960 and Ethiopian served the people as soon as these countries got their independence.
Busera Awel, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Commercial Officer stated just after a month Nigeria got her independence in October 1960, Ethiopia began a flight to Nigeria and similar things were done several times in linking the newly independent countries with the rest of the world.
Ethiopian serves more countries than any other airline by connecting the continent with its extensive destinations of Europe, North and South America, Asia, and the Middle East, in its 55 destinations across Africa.
Its wide network also enables the Heads of States and Government, diplomats, as well as participants of the African Union (AU), summits to have smooth and continuous connectivity with Africa’s political capital, Addis Ababa.
According to Busera, “Capitalizing on its wide destinations, the Ethiopian Airlines provides efficient connectivity across Africa and people could fly any time to any part of the continent via Addis Ababa. By doing so, Ethiopia’s flag carrier is not only transporting people but also integrating the economy of Africa.”
Ethiopian Airlines assists the AU’s goals to help the RECs implement the MIP using a clearly identified calendar, and also develop and execute other support measures to ease the creation of a single market around the key sectors.
