Ethiopian Airlines Extends Destination Map in Support of Single African Air Transport Market
During a two-day roadshow to promote African Aviation, which kicked off on 10 May 2023, the Ethiopian Minister of Transport and Logistics, Mr Alemu Sime, reiterated the commitment of the government to support the realization of the Single African Air Transport Market (#SAATM) via vigorous expansion of its destination network.
In his keynote address, Minister Sime stated that he believed aviation is an indispensable mode of #connectivity to realize the full potential of the #AfCFTA. It is worth noting that the #SAATM is part of the AU #Agenda2063 in order to build “The Africa We Want.” As a matter of fact, Ethiopian Airlines has left no stone unturned to connect with the capitals across Africa, as well as overseas.
He firmly believes the benefits of an integrated and solid African aviation far outweigh the challenges. Dilapidated airports, high ticket prices, and lack of liberalization can be solved if Africans come and work together for the greater common good.
The Deputy Director-General of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, Mr Mengistu Nigussie, pointed out that the Yamoussoukro Decision to liberalize air transport and allow African carriers unrestricted access to intra-African markets is still far from being a reality. It would appear that the ‘deficiency in political will’ is the main factor preventing African aviation from really taking off.
“As you are well aware, air transport has strategic importance for Africa, due to the low quality of alternative modes of transport such as roads, rail and shipping. It also has the strategic importance due to its economic importance. It is thus the responsibility of each and every African state to ensure that such a critical economic sector is not put at a competitive disadvantage due to the aggressive penetration of foreign carriers into the continent’s market.”
Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority Deputy DG Mengistu Nigussie
Based on the latest study, the intra-African air traffic volume is set to increase by more than 50% within the next few years, while air fares are projected to decrease by 26% thanks to improved efficiency.
Ethiopian Airlines is leading the way for the #SAATM and is already the largest African airline. Its operating base at Addis Ababa is also the largest airport in Africa and is being developed into an international aviation hub.
Moreover, the Ethiopian national carrier has the largest fleet, with more than 100 aircraft that currently fly to about 115 destinations in nearly 80 countries. Ethiopian Airlines is ready to partner with other airlines through codesharing to better serve the African market, which is on the cusp of an invigorated growth cycle.