ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES DEVELOPMENT NEWS [Archive] - Page 2

abnet

September 3rd, 2011, 07:39 PM

Ethiopian airlines set to buy four B777 freighter aircraft :cheers:

The Reporter - English Edition
Ethiopian set to buy four B777 freighters

Saturday, 03 September 2011 08:03
By KALEYESUS BEKELE

- AFRAA blames African governments for not liberalising African skies for African carriers, reports Kaleyesus Bekele from Dar es Salam, Tanzania

The Ethiopian Airlines is concluding a deal with the US aircraft manufacturer, Boeing, for the purchase of four state-of-the art Boeing 777 freighter aircraft.

A senior official of Ethiopian told The Reporter that the management of Ethiopian and executives of Boeing have been negotiating for almost a year for the purchase of the new aircraft. The official said the two parties will announce the deal soon.

A representative of Boeing has confirmed the new deal. The representative said the agreement will be signed in the coming few weeks. The growing demand for cargo flight services prompted Ethiopian to place orders for the new B777 jetliners. Recently Ethiopian signed a lease agreement with GECAS for two B777 aircraft to be delivered in September 2012. The lease agreement for the two B777 is ten years.

The B777 freighter aircraft has the capacity to haul 100 tons of cargo at a time. The catalogue price of the aircraft is 260 million dollars. Boeing will deliver the four aircraft after three years.

With six freighter aircraft (two B757-200F, two B747s and two MD 11s) Ethiopian has the largest cargo fleet in Africa. When the two leased B777 arrive, Ethiopian will sell one of the MD 11 it owns and return the other leased MD11. And when the first two B777 are delivered after three years Ethiopian will return the two leased B747s to Southern Air, the American leasing company.

In the 2010-2011 fiscal year, Ethiopian cargo traffic has grown by 20 percent to 160,000 tons when compared to the previous fiscal year. The growing horticulture and meat exports have significantly contributed to the surge in cargo traffic.

At the 17th the African Aviation and Allied Business Conference held from August 28 to 30 in Darses Salaam, aviation authorirties, airline executives and representatives of IATA (International Air Transport Association) and ICAO International Civil Aviation Organisation, Boeing and Bombardier have expressed their appreciation to the fast-growing airline.

Mesfin Tasew, chief operating officer of Ethiopian, who made a presentation at the meeting, explained the growth the national flag carrier is registering. Mesfin was asked by participants if Ethiopian was receiving support from the Ethiopian government. Mesfin outrightly said that the airline does not get any financial support from the government. “Our government has priorities like schools, hospitals and other basic social services and does not have the luxury to invest in the airline. I want to stress this. We do not get a penny from the government. The airline generates revenue from its operations and invests in itself,” Mesfin said. Mesfin received a round of applause from the audience. The 17th Aviation and Allied business conference held at the Kilimanjaro Hotel Kembeski attracted more than 200 delegates.

The African Airline Association (AFRAA) took advantage of the aviation conference in Dar es Salaam to expose once again the lack of implementation of the Yamoussoukro Declaration, besides highlighting on behalf of their members, the pressing issues of investments in the aviation infrastructure and the brain-drain of highly-qualified professionals to particularly the Gulf region.

The Yamoussoukro agreement, signed in 1999, was due to have been fully operationalized by 2002, but now, nine years later, several African Union (AU) member states still have not made an effort to implement its provisions. AFRAA’s Secretary General Elijah Chingosho also spoke on taxation, another deterrent to the growth of aviation.

The conference was officially opened by Tanzanian President Mr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and brought together over 200 participants, mainly from the region, but also further abroad. Regulatory staff had come alongside government delegations, representatives of a number of African airlines, and from ICAO, IATA, and the FAA. The theme of the meeting, "Air Transport in Africa – Strengthening Leadership, Sustaining Growth," discussed since Monday this week a range of pressing issues, among them the failure of governments to promote inter-Africa air traffic, while opening their skies to foreign airlines.

http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/News/ethiopian-set-to-buy-four-b777-freighters.html

Skyliner123

September 8th, 2011, 05:11 PM

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/3/8/4/1979483.jpg

lady gaga

September 9th, 2011, 12:54 PM

Hello Ethiopian Forumers I Created An Ethiopian Airlines Thread In The Airports And Aviation Forum So Would Like To See Also Post There So We Can Make ET More Open And International Here Is The Link Of The Thraed http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1435067&page=2

abnet

September 17th, 2011, 07:33 PM

Ethiopian airlines select ING for 1.45 billion USD aircraft financing scheme.

Saturday, 17 September 2011 09:48
By KALEYESUS BEKELE

• To buy more Bombardier aircraft

• To sell 3 Boeing 757s

• Signs agreement for four B777 freighters

The management of Ethiopian Airlines has selected the renowned international bank, ING, and two other banks to finance 15 passenger jet aircraft (10 Boeing787-8 Dreamliners and five Boeing 737-800) purchases from the US aircraft manufacturer, Boeing. The financing scheme includes the purchase of two spare engines for each aircraft.

At the 20th African Aviation Conference held from September 12-14 at the Sheraton Addis under the theme ‘Air Finance for Africa,’ Kassim Geressu, Ethiopian chief finance officer, who made a presentation said that the management of Ethiopian selected ING, JP Morgan and Emerging Africa to finance the 15 jetliners purchase. Emerging Africa is a London-based development financial institution.

Kassim told The Reporter that last March that the management of Ethiopian sent a request for loan proposals to 22 international financial institutions. Nine of the banks under three groups submitted proposals to Ethiopian. After long and thorough evaluations, the management selected the group led by ING. Kassim said the management informed the banks of its decision last week. Kassim declined to disclose the names of the other banks that participated in the bid. Representatives of ING were having a meeting with top Ethiopian management team this week at the headquarters of the airlines in Addis Ababa.

The types of loans required by Ethiopian are Finance lease. EX-IM guaranteed loan, Pre-Delivery Payment (PDP) loan and Junior loan. The total amount is estimated to be around 1.45 billion dollars.

Ethiopian has secured a loan guarantee for the 15 aircraft purchase from the US Export Import Bank, EX-IM Bank.

The national flag carrier placed orders for 10 Dreamliners in 2005 valued at 1.5 billion dollars. Originally, deliveries were scheduled for 2008-2010, which Boeing failed to meet. Now Ethiopian expects to receive the first two Dreamliners next March. Ethiopian will be the first African airline to operate Dreamliner aircraft. Ethiopian has also ordered 10 B737-800, and 12 Airbus A350 XWB. Ethiopian is the first airline in sub-Saharan Africa to order Airbus a new extra wide body aircraft, scheduled to come out of airbus’s final assembly line in Toulouse in 2014.

The airline took deliveries of 5 B777-200LRs and eight Bombardier Q400 in less than two years. In the past year alone, the airline acquired 11 new aircraft. In November 2010, Ethiopian became the first African airline to own and operate the world’s longest-range airplane-B777-200LR.:cheers: Last June TAAG Angola became the first African carrier to own and operate the Boeing 777-300ER. Boeing’s B777-200ER and B777-300ER Worldliner are two of the longest-range airplanes in the world.

Currently, Ethiopian operates a young fleet of 47 aircraft (39 jet, all of them being Boeing except two MD11 freighters and eight turboprops). According to AWAS, an Ireland-based leasing company, with 34 aircraft on its order book, Ethiopian has the largest aircraft order list in Africa to be followed by South African Airways and Royal Air Marroc each of which has 21 aircraft on order. Ethiopian’s rival, Kenya Airways, has 14 aircraft on order. SAA operates 55 aircraft, RAM 56 and KQ 31. The management of Ethiopian plans to increase the number of jet aircraft to 112 by 2025.

Ethiopian CEO Tewolde Gebremariam told The Reporter that since his airline has always been profitable, aircraft financing is not a problem. “If you are profitable and if you have a good credit history, securing a loan would not be a big problem. And we have both-clean balance sheet and commendable credit history.”

In a related news, the management of Ethiopian is negotiating to buy additional Bombardier aircraft. Tewolde told The Reporter that his management is in talks with executives of the Canadian air framer, Bombardier. Ethiopian has acquired eight Q 400s turboprops that it deployed in its domestic and regional routes. Currently, the management of Ethiopian is negotiating with executives of Bombardier for additional aircraft purchase. Representatives of Bombardier were in Addis Ababa this week. Ethiopian is also negotiating with Bombardier to buy the same aircraft for ASKY Airline, a new start-up airline based in Lome, Togo.

ASKY was established in 2009 by West African private investors. Ethiopian owns a 25 percent stake in ASKY. Ecobank, BIDC, BOAD, SAKHUMNOTHO Group Holding and other west and central private investors have shares on the new pan-African airline that serves 17 destinations in west and central Africa. Currently, ASKY operates three aircraft-2 Boeing 737-700 and one Bombardier Q400 - all leased from Ethiopian. Ethiopian has a five-year management contract with ASKY. The management of ASKY is now to buy Q-400 aircraft and Ethiopian is negotiating with Bombardier on behalf of ASKY.

At the 20th African Aviation Conference, Zemedeneh Nigatu, managing partner of Ernest & Young, said that the partnership forged by Ethiopian and ASKY was a perfect example of partnership among African carriers. “I strongly recommend partnership among different African airlines. An African airline investing in another African airline,” Zemedeneh said. “It has two advantages. First it will enable them to source more financing. Second it will put them in a better position in competing with carriers coming from other parts of the world.”
Tewolde said that more than 75 percent of the international passenger traffic in Africa is carried by non-African carriers, adding that the market share of African airlines is shrinking. “We should blame nobody else but ourselves,” Tewolde told participants of the conference. He attributed the problem (the increasing market share of non-African carriers) to the lack of cooperation among African nations in air transport.

In his keynote address, Ethiopian minister of transport Diriba Kuma said that non-African carriers were invading African skiess adding that they were weakening African airlines. “African states and airlines should cooperate and work together in developing air transport in Africa. If we don’t work together or we shall all perish together,” Deriba said. He warned that the African aviation industry may weather away unless African states enhance cooperation in developing the African airline industry.

African states are often criticised for failing to promote inter-Africa air traffic while opening their skies to foreign airlines.

In a related news, the management of Ethiopian is to phase out its three ageing Boeing 757-200 aircraft from its fleet in February next year. Kassim told The Reporter that the aircraft are already up for sale. “We are negotiating with potential buyers,” Kassim said.

Meanwhile, the management of Ethiopian signed a deal with Boeing for the purchase of four new B777 freighter aircraft. The jetliners will be delivered to Ethiopian after three years. The agreement was signed by Ethiopian CEO and representatives of Boeing at the headquarters of Ethiopian on September 2. The deal will be announced by the two parties soon.

The growing demand for cargo flight services prompted Ethiopian to place orders for the new B777 jetliners. Recently Ethiopian signed a lease agreement with GECAS for two B777 aircraft to be delivered in September 2012. The lease agreement period for the two B777 is ten years.

The B777 freighter aircraft has the capacity to haul 100 tons of cargo at a time. The catalogue price of the aircraft is 260 million tonnes. Boeing will deliver the four aircraft after three years.

With six freighter aircraft (two B757-200F, two B747s and two MD 11s), Ethiopian has the largest cargo fleet in Africa. In the 2010-2011 fiscal year, Ethiopian cargo traffic has grown by 20 percent to 160,000 tons when compared to the previous fiscal year. The growing horticulture and meat export have significantly contributed to the surge in cargo traffic.

Nick Fadugba, CEO of African Aviation Services Ltd, said that Ethiopian is a well-managed African airline even if it is state owned. “Ethiopian is a profitable airline that is known for renewing its fleet. And it knows how to negotiate with aircraft manufacturers and lessors. African airlines who want to buy and lease aircraft take a lesson from the management of Ethiopian,” Nick said.

http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/News/ethiopian-selects-ing-for-145-billion-usd-aircraft-financing-scheme.html

musiccity

September 19th, 2011, 12:44 AM

Excellent news Abnet!

kiligoland

September 20th, 2011, 04:02 AM

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/3/8/4/1979483.jpg

:cheers: wow man, I love flying ET, Sheba miles:)

Yoniii

September 20th, 2011, 07:53 AM

Ethiopian airlines select ING for 1.45 billion USD aircraft financing scheme.

http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/News/ethiopian-selects-ing-for-145-billion-usd-aircraft-financing-scheme.html
Ambitious plan, love it!

xJamaax

September 21st, 2011, 05:41 PM

How are their routes performing?It doesnt make much sense to expand when some of the routes are not doing well. I guess they are profitable, right?

Yoniii

September 21st, 2011, 06:50 PM

How are their routes performing?It doesnt make much sense to expand when some of the routes are not doing well. I guess they are profitable, right?
It's very profitable, so they are expanding fast and need a much bigger fleet to meet the demand.

Ethiopian Airlines Ranks 16th Most Profitable Airline In The World
Written by solomon

Tuesday, 03 August 2010 11:33

Ethiopian Airlines has been honored as among the World’s Top 25 Airlines, when measured by Net Profit, in a report published by Air Transport World (ATW) magazine, News Dire reported.

According to the latest data available for Ethiopia’s flag carrier, the airliner made a net profit of $127.7 million, making it Africa’s most profitable airline and 16th most profitable in the world.

Ethiopian airlines transported nearly 3 million passengers, an increase of 6.3% from prior fiscal year. Its profit for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 was a 165% increase over the prior year’s figure.

An Ethiopian airline operates 26 jet aircraft (including a freighter fleet of two 747Fs, two MD-11Fs and two 757-200Fs) and nine turboprops. It will take delivery of the first of five Boeing 777-200LRs it has on order in the second half of this year.

It also will receive three new Boeing 737-800s by year end. Delivery of the first of 10 Boeing 787s on order is scheduled for July 2011. It also ordered 12 A350s last summer, set to begin delivering in 2016.

Ethiopian operates an extensive network, including 14 weekly flights to both China and India. Ethiopian CEO Girma Wake expects passenger traffic to grow at the rate of 20% annually.

http://www.ethjournal.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3205:ethiopian-airlines-ranks-16th-most-profitable-airline-in-the-world-&catid=13:headlines&Itemid=19

Egyptair, a member of the Star Alliance, is adding six widebodies and four narrowbody jets in 2010, while Ethiopian is adding eight turboprops and two widebodies.

Top 5 Fastest growing African airlines by fleet: 2010

1 Ethiopian Airlines
2 Egyptair
3 Nigerian Eagle Airlines
4 Arik Air
5 Libyan Airlines

Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation & Ascend

Yoniii

September 25th, 2011, 04:12 PM

Bahir Dar and Mekele to get direct flights to Khartoum, Sudan

Ethiopian Airlines announced plans to start new service to Khartoum from Bahir Dar and Mekele. Although the airports in Bahir Dar and Mekele are designated International Airports, this would be the first time that the airports will operate international route albeit limited. Ethiopian airlines currently operates the only international flight outside its hub Bole Airport is from Dire Dawa, where it flies to neighboring Djibouti.

Ethiopian airlines also announced new service to the island nation of Seychelles, located off the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean.

abnet

September 28th, 2011, 09:32 PM

Ethiopian Airlines to fully integrate with the stars in a month.

Addisfortune.com

Last Updated 09/26/2011

Ethiopian Airlines Spends 6.9 million dollars on integration process

Ethiopian Airlines (ET) is to be fully integrated into the Star Alliance Group at the end of October, 2011 after a process that took a little over a year and cost 6.9 million dollars.

“The integration will be finalized at the end of October or first week of November,” Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of the airline, which recorded a 43pc increase in operational revenues from the previous year, told Fortune.

However, the celebration of ET’s full integration into this elite group of carriers is to happen slightly later than that.

“The date is being worked out to make it convenient to those who will be attending,” Tewolde told Fortune. “It will definitely happen before the end of this year.”

The celebration of an airline becoming a member of the Alliance is usually a big deal with as many of the CEO’s of the member carriers attending as possible. When ET’s acceptance as a future member was announced, a similar event was held. It was announced here in Addis Abeba in September, 2010 in a ceremony where the CEO of the Alliance and some of the CEO’s of the 27 full member carriers were present. Lufthansa Airlines was appointed as a mentor to ET to help the integration process planned to be completed a year later.

“As Lufthansa knows us better than any of the other member carriers, it was selected as a mentor for ET,” Tewolde told Fortune. “They have been guiding us on how to go about the process with Star Alliance and each carrier.”

ET had to fulfil 83 components to become a full fledged member, which according to Tewolde, is almost done. A major component was the IT compliance, according to the CEO who took over the helm of ET almost a year ago.

ET uses SABER booking system, which is one of the major systems used by many carriers. However, this system had to be connected with the central system of the Star Alliance headquarters, as well as with each of the 29 member carriers.

Part of the perks of joining Star Alliance for ET is using the alliances network for selling seats on the same flights, giving passengers more departure times to choose from on a given route and easier connections and transfers between flights. Passengers of ET will be able to redeem their frequent flier miles from these carriers as well.

As one of the requirements of becoming a member of the alliance is to display the logo of Star Alliance, one of the aircrafts of ET will be fully clad fully with it.

“We have chosen one 767 aircraft for that, which is in the process of having that done,” Tewolde told Fortune. “It flies to Europe, Asia and in Africa where most of the alliance member carriers are located.”

This would be an addition to the achievement of ET becoming a new member, which will be the third African airline, along with South African Air (SAA) and EgyptAir to join the Alliance.

The whole process cost the airline in money, employee time, and redesigning some of the process came to 6.9 million dollars, which has not been paid in full yet.

Established in 1997, by five airlines: Air Canada, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines Systems, Thai Airways International, and United Airlines, Star Alliance is the biggest network of airlines in the world. Collectively its carriers have 21,200 daily flights to 1,185 airports in 185 countries.

Flying to 40 destinations in Africa, Ethiopian Airline’s full integration brings a big market in Africa to the alliance.

By HAILU TEKLEHAIMANOT
FORTUNE STAFF WRITER

http://www.addisfortune.com/ET%20to%20Fully%20Integrate%20With%20the%20Stars%20in%20a%20Month.htm

Addiscity

October 4th, 2011, 01:51 PM

Ethiopian Airline Civilization Authority Building

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k544/addiscity/100_2588.jpg

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k544/addiscity/100_2588-1.jpg

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k544/addiscity/100_2847.jpg

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k544/addiscity/100_2491.jpg

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k544/addiscity/100_2848.jpg

the New Hunger, its huge it can be seen from far!!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k544/addiscity/100_2493.jpg

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k544/addiscity/100_2492.jpg

Engine Testing Center

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k544/addiscity/100_2495.jpg

Ethiopian Airline Student dormitory

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k544/addiscity/100_2494.jpg

Skyliner123

October 5th, 2011, 11:53 PM

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6131186679_813f213920_b.jpg
All rights reserved by wfung99_2000

Yoniii

October 6th, 2011, 12:07 AM

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6047/6212638051_4fa7bba8d3_b.jpg

Skyliner123

October 6th, 2011, 12:18 AM

Ethiopian's second Dreamliner (Airplane 44) taking shape!

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6054/6211133731_10a0fc2435_b.jpg
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6030410571_8bde687052_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6111/6211142671_668f0cfd65_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6115/6211622422_9d0c664245_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6039/6211110075_f51d292834_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6106/6211621238_9d897f5bc4_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6230/6211620660_4aaa2afb4b_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6179/6211650418_3eba68ab70_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6095/6211116609_e6a0686952_b.jpg

This one is a wing section for Ethiopian third Dreamliner (Airplane 49)
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6225/6211120589_385a6ec300_b.jpg

All rights reserved by flightblogger

Skyliner123

October 6th, 2011, 05:15 AM

http://blog.seattlepi.com/aerospace/files/2011/10/ethiopian-777f.jpg

Ethiopian Airlines has ordered four Boeing 777 Freighters, making it the first African customer for the freighter, Boeing announced Wednesday.

The order is worth approximately $1.1 billion at list prices, although customers get substantial discounts. Boeing previously listed the order on its orders website as coming from an unidentified customer.

“As the largest African cargo carrier operating in some of the fastest growing trade lanes of the world — between Africa and Europe, Middle East and Asia – the new 777 Freighter fleet will significantly enhance our tonnage and range capabilities,” Ethiopian CEO Tewolde Gebremariam said in a news release. “The proven operational and economical efficiency of these airplanes will reposition Ethiopian Cargo in a stronger place to continue winning in this hypercompetitive market.”

Ethiopian Airlines was the first to operate the 777-200LR and flies all Boeing aircraft.:cheers:

http://blog.seattlepi.com/aerospace/2011/10/05/ethiopian-airlines-orders-four-boeing-777-freighters/

Boeing, Ethiopian Airlines Announce Order for Four 777 Freighters- Airline becomes the first African carrier to order Boeing's 777 Freighter
- Airline will use new freighters to replace existing freighter fleet with more efficient and capable airplanes to meet increased cargo demand throughout Africa

These images are available for editorial use by news media.
EVERETT, Wash., Oct. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Ethiopian Airlines today announced an order for four Boeing 777 Freighters, making Ethiopian Airlines the first African carrier to order the twin-engine freighter. The order is valued at approximately $1.1 billion at list prices and was previously attributed to an unidentified customer on Boeing's website.

"As the largest African cargo carrier operating in some of the fastest growing trade lanes of the world - between Africa and Europe, Middle East and Asia - the new 777 Freighter fleet will significantly enhance our tonnage and range capabilities," said Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. "The proven operational and economical efficiency of these airplanes will reposition Ethiopian Cargo in a stronger place to continue winning in this hypercompetitive market."

"Over the past few years we've seen Ethiopian Airlines become a leader in African aviation and they are well on their way to becoming a global aviation leader," said Marlin Dailey, president of Boeing Germany, EU, Northern Europe, and Africa. "Ethiopian Airlines continues to set the standard in aviation throughout the continent – from being the first African airline to order Boeing's 787 Dreamliner, the first to fly the 777-200LR and now the first to purchase the 777 Freighter."

The 777 Freighter, the world's longest-range twin-engine freighter, is based on the technologically advanced 777-200LR (Longer Range) passenger airplane and can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a full payload of 225,200 pounds (102 metric tons). With high-cargo density and 10-foot (3.1-meter) interior height capability, the 777 Freighter provides a cargo capacity normally associated with larger airplanes and features the lowest trip cost of any large freighter.

"Ethiopian Airlines has used Boeing's best products to enhance its fleet for more than 65 years," said Van Rex Gallard, vice president of Sales for Africa, Latin America, & the Caribbean, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This order signifies that growing relationship and we thank Ethiopian Airlines for choosing the 777 Freighter to enhance and grow its cargo capabilities."

Boeing offers the most complete family of freighters, providing superior efficiency and operating economics in support of airline profitability.

Ethiopian Airlines was the first to operate the 777-200LR (now with five in their fleet) and the first to order the Boeing 787 Dreamliner with an order for 10. Ethiopian Airlines currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of 737, 757, 767 and 777 airplanes in passenger service and a 757, MD11 and 747 in cargo operations.

Contact:
Adam Morgan
Boeing International Communications
+1 281-386-4396
adam.k.morgan@boeing.com

Wogayehu Terefe
Ethiopian Airlines
+251 11(5) 178410
wogayehut@ethiopianairlines.com

Photo and caption are available here: http://boeing.mediaroom.com

SOURCE Boeing

Yoniii

October 21st, 2011, 10:21 PM

Ethiopian Airlines and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have signed a codeshare agreement, which will take effect on November 1.

From 1 November, Singapore Airlines’ customers will have the option of flying to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital city, on flights operated by future Star Alliance member Ethiopian Airlines.
http://www.airlinesanddestinations.com/airlines/ethiopian-and-singapore-airlines-agree-codeshare-deal-via-dubai/

kgl

October 25th, 2011, 06:12 PM

Is ET B757s will fly to Europe ?? Or only in Asia and North America.

Yoniii

October 25th, 2011, 07:18 PM

Is ET B757s will fly to Europe ?? Or only in Asia and North America.
Europe as well, check:
http://www.ethiopianairlines.com/en/docs/downloads/Ethiopian_Flight_Schedules.pdf

KAQuah

October 27th, 2011, 09:20 AM

would be appreciate anybody's can share latest update on ET become *A member?

Yoniii

October 27th, 2011, 10:51 AM

would be appreciate anybody's can share latest update on ET become *A member?
They are supposed to join this month, but I haven't read that it's finalized yet.

KAQuah

October 27th, 2011, 06:19 PM

They are supposed to join this month, but I haven't read that it's finalized yet.

Yes, me too.

Thank you

xJamaax

October 30th, 2011, 10:48 PM

http://www.ethiopianairlines.com/en/graphics/body/network/introutemap.jpg

Do they really fly directly to Washington D.C?

Or maybe the map is outdated because I know they do so.

Yoniii

October 30th, 2011, 11:13 PM

Do they really fly directly to Washington D.C?

Or maybe the map is outdated because I know they do so.
Yes, it's an outdated map. They fly non-stop to D.C.

xJamaax

October 30th, 2011, 11:17 PM

Yes, it's an outdated map. They fly non-stop to D.C.Ok.

I was just kind of confused a bit.:okay:

rasta55

October 31st, 2011, 07:12 AM

Yes, it's an outdated map. They fly non-stop to D.C.

They fly non-stop DC to Addis...... to DC, they still stop over @ Rome...

Yoniii

October 31st, 2011, 08:36 AM

They fly non-stop DC to Addis...... to DC, they still stop over @ Rome...
Oh okay, that sucks, they should at least stop somewhere on the way like Nigeria.

kgl

October 31st, 2011, 12:12 PM

Do they really fly directly to Washington D.C?

Or maybe the map is outdated because I know they do so.

Yep with the new 777-200LR, they plan to resume NYC and fly to Toronto.

Paris 30 October 2011 :

http://i48.servimg.com/u/f48/11/28/71/03/p1050410.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=1311&u=11287103)

Simfan34

October 31st, 2011, 06:49 PM

Yep with the new 777-200LR, they plan to resume NYC and fly to Toronto.

Oh thank God.

AlexBelay

November 2nd, 2011, 08:02 PM

Ethiopia signs air service pacts with 11 nations

Addis Ababa: Ethiopia has signed air service agreements with 11 countries including India to improve connectivity and benefit in the fields of trade, investment and tourism. Ethiopia signed the agreements at the 4th International Civil Aviation Negotiation Conference held in Mumbai, India,from Oct 16 to 22, an Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) official said.

Ethiopia carried out consultations on air services agreements with 16 countries, the authority said in a press statement here Tuesday, quoting CAA Air Transport Planning Directorate Endesahw Yigezu, who led the Ethiopian delegation at the conference. In Mumbai, the CAA signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on air services with Sweden, Denmark, Norway, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, India, Slovakia, Iceland, Poland, Jamaica and Cameroon.

The CAA also held air service consultations with Britain, France, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Endesahw said Ethiopia would benefit from the agreements reached with the respective countries in the areas of trade, investment and tourism.

The Mumbai conference was among meetings organised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to facilitate countries negotiating for bilateral and multilateral dealings. The first three conferences were held in Dubai (2008), Istanbul (2009) and Montego Bay (2010) respectively. More than 350 delegates from 65 countries attended the Mumbai conference.

http://news24online.com/Ethiopia-signs-air-service-pacts-with-11-nations_News24_35971.aspx

abnet

November 5th, 2011, 05:37 PM

Ethiopian Airlines aims to become the largest carrier in Africa by 2025 :banana::banana::banana:

Ethiopian Airlines aims to become the largest carrier in Africa by 2025
4th November, 2011

http://64.19.142.10/cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/9/5/5/1940559.jpg

Ethiopian Airlines is one of the largest and most profitable carriers in Africa. It has 34 aircraft on order, including 10 B787-8s with a network of 56 international destinations and 17 codeshare partners.

It plans to join Star Alliance and in 2010 had an operating profit of ETB1.6 billion (USD92 million). Ethiopian has forged a successful path for its expansion plans and has come a long way since its beginnings as a joint venture between the Ethiopian Government and Trans World Airlines.

The carrier has set an ambitious, but realistic, 15-year strategic plan that includes becoming the single largest airline in Africa. It intends to generate revenues of ETB171 billion (USD10 billion) per year, acquire a fleet of 70 aircraft and improve its Skytrax customer service ranking from three to four stars.

If successful, the plan would make Ethiopian Airlines the largest and most profitable carrier in Africa.

Ethiopian Airlines’ 15-year strategic plan

Measure

Current

Goal

Revenue

USD1.6 billion p/a

USD10 billion p/a

In service fleet

47

70 “modern” aircraft

SkyTrax Customer service rating

3

4

Source: CAPA – Centre for Aviation and Ethiopian Airlines
The largest on-order fleet in Africa, both passenger and freighter

The African launch customer for the B787-8 made its order in 2006 and originally planned to have the aircraft in service by Jun-2010 on the Guangzhou route. However, like many of Boeing’s B787 customers, the Dreamliner delays have left Ethiopian behind on expansion plans. The carrier currently has 36 aircraft on order, the most of any African carrier.

In 2010, Ethiopian placed its largest order to date – 12 A350-900s, due for delivery between 2016 and 2019. The order was designed to give Boeing a wake-up call – implying that its long-time African operator was unhappy with the delays, and that it was prepared to look elsewhere for new aircraft. Despite the apparent threat, Ethiopian Airlines reaffirmed its Boeing order and is expecting its first B787-8 between 12-Mar-2012 and 15-Jun-2014, not Jan-2012 as originally thought. Ethiopian stated the new aircraft, both the B787-8s and the A350-900s, would be used to complement and replace its existing fleet, with the A350s to be deployed on services to the Far East and the Americas, and the B787-8s likely to replace B767s and B757s.
Ethiopian’s freight network supports the country’s trade relations

A strong point in Ethiopian Airlines’ portfolio is its substantial freight operation, with a dedicated cargo fleet of five aircraft and four B777-200LRFs on order. Cargo and freight services accounted for 17% of its total 2010 revenue. The carrier serves more than 40 destinations in its freight network through dedicated freighters and belly space on passenger aircraft.

Ethiopian Airlines’ dedicated freight network

http://www.centreforaviation.com/images/stories/2011/november/04/et02.png
Source: Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopia’s largest trade partners are the European Union, China, the US, Saudi Arabia and India. Ethiopian Airlines operates a dedicated cargo network to all those countries bar China and the US, although belly capacity, codeshare partners and sea links enable trade to these countries to remain strong. Ethiopia’s trade with other African countries is relatively weak, with Sudan, Tunisia and South Africa the only countries being a top 20 trading partner.

Ethiopia’s major trade partners: 2010

http://www.centreforaviation.com/images/stories/2011/november/04/et03.png
Source: IMF (DoTS)
Ethiopian will give Star Alliance three main bases in Africa

Ethiopian is expected to join Star Alliance in mid Dec-2011. Ethiopian, mentored by Lufthansa, will join fellow African Star Alliance members South African Airways and EgyptAir, as the alliance extends its coverage to all but the west and centre of the continent. In the lead-up to the approval, Ethiopian Airlines established codeshare agreements with several key Star Alliance members, the latest being Singapore Airlines, and the most important being founding members SAS and Lufthansa.

Ethiopian Airlines’ codeshare partners: 2011

Airline

Since

Region

Air China

Dec-2007

Asia Pacific

Air India

n/a

Asia Pacific

Air Nigeria

n/a

West Africa

Asiana Airlines

Mar-2003

Asia Pacific

bmi

Jul-2000

Europe

Brussels Airlines

Dec-2009

Europe

Egypt Air

Jul-2008

North Africa

Gulf Air

n/a

Middle East

Kuwait Airways

n/a

Middle East

LAM

n/a

East Africa

Lufthansa

May-1997 F

Europe

RwandAir

n/a

Central Africa

SAS

May-1997 F

Europe

Saudi Arabian Airlines

n/a

Middle East

Singapore Airlines

01-Apr-2000

Asia Pacific

South African Airways

Apr-2006

Southern Africa

Turkish Airlines

Apr-2008

Europe

Bold= Non-Star Alliance member
Source: CAPA – Centre for Aviation and Star Alliance

Ethiopian’s entry into Star Alliance means the global airline group will have three main bases in Africa – Addis Ababa, Johannesburg and Cairo. Ethiopian hopes Star Alliance membership will significantly boost Addis Ababa International Airport’s role as a prominent African gateway, boosting revenues, reputation and presence.
Most seats in Africa are unaligned, Star next best

SkyTeam occupies a relatively strong presence in Africa through Air France-KLM and Kenya Airways. Air France and KLM have each built networks on the continent based around their longstanding colonial linkages. While leading Star member Lufthansa does not have the same historical ties as Air France and KLM, it does have fellow alliance members in the north, south and now the east of the country. Star made a point of recruiting strategic partners that spread across the continent, to complement the more than 50% of Star members that operate to Africa.

Africa seats capacity by alliance (before Ethiopian Airlines’ official joining of Star Alliance): 31-Oct-2011 to 06-Nov-2011

http://www.centreforaviation.com/images/stories/2011/november/04/et04.png
Source: CAPA – Centre for Aviation

Within Star, EgyptAir provides a most challenging partner for Ethiopian Airlines. Both EgyptAir and Ethiopian serve a handful of destinations in the Asia Pacific including Beijing, Guangzhou, Bangkok and Mumbai, aiming to feed in traffic from the African continent. Star will benefit from Ethiopian’s African network as it is more established than the Egyptian flag carrier, particularly in West Africa, while EgyptAir is much stronger in North Africa. Each carrier serves points in the Middle East – Kuwait, Bahrain, Riyadh, Beirut, Tel Aviv, Jeddah, Sana’a and Muscat – creating considerable overlap in Star’s Middle Eastern network and, again, in their respective goals for feeding beyond traffic from Africa.
Limitations and benefits in Ethiopian’s network

Ethiopian serves many of the mineral-rich African countries, offering valuable additions to Star’s network. These include the Democratic Republic of the Congo (gold and diamonds), Namibia (via codeshare – lead, zinc, diamonds), Botswana (diamonds) and South Africa (iron, oil). Ethiopian also serves fast growing African economies, such as Rwanda, Ghana, Angola, Kenya and Nigeria.

A sub-region missing from Ethiopian’s network is northern Africa, where it offers service only to Cairo – already well covered by EgyptAir. Important gaps in its network include the oil- and iron-rich countries of Libya and Morocco in North Africa, each better covered by EgyptAir – which serves one destination each in Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and two in Libya – with the natural advantage of serving multiple destinations within Egypt. But together Ethiopian and EgyptAir have Africa covered for Star.
Ethiopian competes with Middle Eastern carriers on air link to China

Ethiopian was the first foreign airline to operate into China more than 30 years ago. At that time a political link, it has proven a valuable and longstanding connection into the Asian powerhouse. Times have changed however; though Ethiopian may have been safe from competition 30 years ago, this is no longer the case and Middle Eastern carriers are rapidly expanding alternative links between the region’s oil- and mineral-rich countries and China. Eight Middle Eastern carriers now operate between China and the Middle East including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, El Al, Mahan Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Yemen Airways and Iran Air.

Top 12 carriers operating between the Middle East and China
by seats per week: 31-Oct-2011 to 06-Nov-2011

http://www.centreforaviation.com/images/stories/2011/november/04/et05.png
Source: CAPA – Centre for Aviation

Only two airlines operate third and fourth freedom services between Eastern Africa and China – Ethiopian Airlines and Air Mauritius – offering approximately 9500 seats per week combined. Emirates, however, offers considerably more than 12,000 seats per week from Dubai to China, with numerous connections on to the Middle Kingdom, which is three times more than Ethiopian’s offering to China. Middle Eastern carriers provide a convenient, one-stop link between multiple points in both Africa and China that rivals the offering of many African carriers, with their multiple stops and limited capacity and frequency.

The Gulf airlines are also achieving major capacity share on routes to Europe. While a similar number of airlines operate Middle East-China and East Africa-China, the importance lies in the number of seats on offer. Emirates, the second largest carrier to operate between Africa and Europe, offers more than 88,000 seats per week, while Air France, the largest carrier to operate between Europe and East Africa, offers just 7,000.
Neighbouring Kenya Airways is a strong competitor

Despite the competition coming from the northeast, Ethiopian Airlines’ most direct source of competition is found closer to home, by way of SkyTeam member Kenya Airways. Kenya’s flag carrier is another leading African carrier with aggressive expansion plans. The airline aims to serve “every African country by 2013” and is making steady progress towards that goal, including a rights issue scheduled for Nov-2011 designed to give the carrier a major cash injection. Kenya Airways’ operating profit surged in FY2011, up 73.9% from a dismal 2010 result, suggesting the carrier is back on track to achieve profitability. Kenya Airways is expected to report its 1H2011 financial results on 03-Nov-2011.

Ethiopian Airlines v Kenya Airways: Nov-2011

Ethiopian Airlines

Kenya Airways

Aircraft in service

47

36

Aircraft on order

36

21

B787-8s on order

10

9

Dedicated cargo aircraft in service

5

0

Dedicated cargo aircraft on order

2

1

African destinations

32

45

International destinations (Africa and beyond)

56

56

Global airline alliance

Expected Star Alliance

SkyTeam

Codeshare partners

17

14

Source: CAPA – Centre for Aviation and Innovata
Ethiopian Airlines benefits from government protectionism

One significant factor that contributes to Ethiopian Airlines’ success is its major capacity share at Addis Ababa is due to the Ethiopian Government’s restrictions on foreign airline access. Ethiopian Airlines holds a near-monopoly on domestic routes, where it competes with just one other Ethiopian-registered carrier, Trans Nation Airways, which has one aircraft in service and none on order.

Addis Ababa Bole Airport capacity, seats, per week by carrier: 31-Oct-2011 to 06-Nov-2011

http://www.centreforaviation.com/images/stories/2011/november/04/et06.png
Source: CAPA – Centre for Aviation

Ethiopia has proven one of the least LCC-friendly markets. Full service carriers account for no less than 99% of capacity at the airport, with flydubai the only LCC to operate into Ethiopia, operating a three-times weekly B737-800 service from Dubai.

Ethiopia capacity share, seats, by carrier type: 31-Oct-2011 to 06-Nov-2011

http://www.centreforaviation.com/images/stories/2011/november/04/et07.png
Source: CAPA – Centre for Aviation

Protective policies do little to help Addis Ababa’s aspirations to become a large hub, so its future remains inextricably linked to the flag carrier’s growth plans. The result is, paradoxically, to make Ethiopian more exposed to competition from the Gulf carriers’ services into Ethiopia and other African ports. As long as Ethiopian shoulders all of the hub development, so the airport’s attraction limits the flag carrier’s potential to on-carry traffic from other airlines.
Outlook promising but expansion alone is not enough

Ethiopian Airlines has been consistently profitable over the past four years and is likely to see future profitability as its expansion plans are rolled out. Freight, although sensitive to market fluctuations, remains a strong point. Ethiopian has experienced considerable success with its network and sees it as a future revenue generator.:cheers:

Liberalisation must surely spread across Africa, but Ethiopian – more than almost any other airline in the region – has the opportunity to restructure in time to meet the new challenges this brings. So long as it continues to expand rapidly, this revitalisation process will be made easier – provided it is addressed as a key priority. Expansion alone will not suffice.

Background information

Ethiopian Airlines’ Africa and Middle East route map
http://www.centreforaviation.com/images/stories/2011/november/04/et08.png
Source: Ethiopian Airlines

EgyptAir’s Africa and Middle East route map
http://www.centreforaviation.com/images/stories/2011/november/04/et09.png
Source: Skyscanner

© 2011 CAPA Centre for Aviation ::

http://www.centreforaviation.com/analysis/ethiopian-airlines-aims-to-become-the-largest-carrier-in-africa-by-2025-62041

Simfan34

November 7th, 2011, 03:11 AM

The article is right! Deregulate! Deregulate!

lady gaga

November 8th, 2011, 11:30 AM

Hey Ethiopians i saw an Ethiopian cargo MD11 in Khartoum coming from Addis Ababa and going to Liege i never knew that Ethiopian cargo have flights to KRT i saw them few times in krt starting from November daily flights i think

AlexBelay

November 8th, 2011, 06:59 PM

Ethiopian to officially stamp its Star Alliance

Ethiopian Airlines is going to officially become a member of Star Alliance, the world’s first and largest airline alliance, in a ceremony that will be attended by the 27 member airline CEO’s and other aviation officials from around the world by December 13, 2011. The alliance was founded in 1997 by five of the world’s leading airlines: Air Canada, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines and United Airlines. The five-point star logo of Star Alliance represents the five original founding airlines.
The creation of Star Alliance was a milestone in airline history because of its size. However it sparked the formation of rivals, notably SkyTeam and Oneworld.
Wegayehu Terefe Public Relations Manager of Ethiopian Airlines told Capital that the airline is preparing for the ceremony and is trying to facilitate a day for all member airlines CEO’s to attend the event.
On 29 September, 2011 the Chief Executive Board of Star Alliance that is based in Germany approved Ethiopian Airlines’ application for membership, with the airline to become the 28th member. Upon admission, expected in December 2011, Ethiopian will add to Star Alliance’s network five new countries and 24 un-served destinations. As of September 2010, Star Alliance flies to 1,172 airports in 185 countries, with approximately 21,230 daily departures with a fleet of 4,335 aircrafts.
In order to become member, airlines must comply with the highest industry standards of customer service, security and technical infrastructure.
Wegayehu added that the airline will celebrate the event lavishly as it is another milestone in their endeavor to become world class airlines.
Star Alliance members carried a total of 648.54 million passengers with a turnover of 158.8 billion dollars. The alliance’s market share is 28 percent of the global market, which is greater than the combined market share of all airlines that are not in any of the three major alliances.
Members of any Star Alliance frequent flyer programme (FFP) can collect and redeem miles, kilometers or points on any member carrier.
Meanwhile the much awaited Boeing 787 Dreamliner is expected to make a demonstration flight to Addis Ababa around the same time the Star Alliance member airline CEOs meet here. According to sources, the Dreamliner is scheduled to arrive on December 12 and return on December 14. The national flag carrier Ethiopian Airlines is also expecting to receive Africa’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft by next year.
Ethiopian is expected to deploy the aircraft on its growing focus routes between Africa and Asia.

http://www.capitalethiopia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15787:ethiopian-to-officially-stamp-its-star-alliance&catid=12:local-news&Itemid=4

lady gaga

November 8th, 2011, 07:12 PM

kgl

November 20th, 2011, 12:35 PM

Oh thank God.

Your welcome.

Ethiopian has just started a cargo flight between Belgium and Rwanda:banana:

Yoniii

November 24th, 2011, 06:51 PM

Ethiopian Receives Its First 737 Boeing Sky Interior

Ethiopian Airlines is pleased to announce that it has received its first next-generation Boeing 737-800 with the new Boeing Sky Interior on 22 November 2011. This is the first 737-800 with Boeing Sky Interior of ten to be delivered over the next four years.

"In line with our Vision 2025 strategic road map and our fleet modernization and expansion project, we are investing heavily in technologically advanced and modern airplanes,” said Mr. Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “This new airplane will not only benefit Ethiopian because of its unmatched operating costs, but will also offer more comfort to our passengers. Moreover, these new aircraft generate far fewer carbon emissions than older aircraft, minimizing our carbon footprint. Our goal is to be the most environmentally friendly airline in Africa, and the new 737-800 is in line with this goal."

The new aircraft will be initially deployed on Ethiopian’s daily flight to Dar es Salaam during the day and Ethiopian’s daily flight to Riyadh at night.

The Boeing Sky Interior introduces new cove lighting and curving architecture that create a distinctive entry way. Passengers will enjoy a more open cabin and a soft blue sky overhead simulated by light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, which could easily be controlled on a touch screen control board.

The new interior also brings new, modern, sculpted sidewalls and window reveals to draw passengers’ eyes to the view outside the window. The aircraft has new features such as modern overhead bins, (the first for a Boeing narrow body aircraft), advanced aerodynamics and modern passenger service unit (PSU). Outfitted with Boeing Sky Interior, the new 737-800NG has maximum reliability, efficiency, passenger appeal and optimized engine design that adds up extra comfort and style to passengers.

"Ethiopian Airlines continues to prove its leadership and forward thinking in aviation throughout Africa," said Van Rex Gallard, vice president of Sales for Africa, Latin America and Caribbean for Boeing Commercial Airplanes."By making these investments in their fleet, Ethiopian Airlines is positioning itself to continue to lead aviation in Africa and becoming a leader across the globe."

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates five brand new 777-200LRs and it is the first African airline to order the Boeing 787 Dreamliner with an order for 10. Ethiopian Airlines operates an all-Boeing fleet of 737, 757, 767 and 777 airplanes in passenger service and a fleet of 757s, MD11s and 747s in cargo operations.
http://www.ethiopianairlines.com/en/news/pressreleases.aspx?hl=%20284

Not EA, but it will look similar to this:

http://schipholspotter.webs.com/737-psu-video_ip.jpg

Yoniii

December 1st, 2011, 06:51 PM

7ZUlE94Ge_g

abnet

December 3rd, 2011, 06:41 PM

Ethiopian airlines carries Star Alliance logo :cheers:

Saturday, 03 December 2011 07:02
By KALEYESUS BEKELE

Boeing postpones Ethiopian Dreamlinners’ delivery

The Ethiopian Airlines, which is going to be the third African carrier to join the Star Alliance group, has already put the livery of Star Alliance on all its aircraft. So far South African Airways and Egypt Air are the African carriers that joined Star Alliance.

In September 2010, the Star Alliance Group accepted Ethiopian as future member of the group. Ethiopian applied to be a member of the group two years ago. Lufthansa has been mentoring Ethiopian on joining the group.

Star Alliance will officially announce that Ethiopian has joined the group at a Gala dinner party to be held in Addis Ababa on December 13. Executives of the Star Alliance and CEOs of the member airlines are expected to attend the celebration.

Established in 1997, the Star Alliance Group has 28 member airlines, including Ethiopian.

According to Star Alliance, member airlines fly to more than 1210 destinations and they provide easier travel and quicker connection options making the travel experience smoother. “Being a member carrier, thus, means having more access to the market.”

Through Star Alliance, Ethiopian will be able to access 21,410 daily flights in 189 countries. Thus, with Ethiopian joining Star Alliance more travelers from Ethiopia and across Africa will benefit from the Star Alliance’s world-wide reach via the extensive network.

The group said joining Star Alliance will increase the traffic volume and subsequently the revenue of member carriers. Ethiopian will be part of the existing network the alliance covers: 4382 aircraft, 409,152 employees, 652.24 million passengers transported per year, 160.3 billion USD sales revenue and 21,410 daily departures.

With the pre-arranged domestic flight discount packages for passengers arriving from international Star Alliance networks, Ethiopian will be able to increase the traffic flow to the country promoting the destination as a major tourist attraction. These domestic discounts promoted throughout the alliance are expected to further promote the airline and the country.:cheers:

“Ethiopian’s joining of Star Alliance affirmed two facts about the airline: what it delivers and what it is capable of achieving in the future. This excellent service provision happens to impress other carriers as Ethiopian has fulfilled the service requirement to be a member. This distinction and continuous improvement in service standards adds immensely to the pride the company generates for the country whose flag Ethiopian enjoys to carry.”

With regard to service, Ethiopian will also be able to give improved benefits to Sheba miles members’ with gold and silver statuses the freedom to accumulate miles flown on other Star Alliance member airlines. As a result of the alliance, customers can also enjoy privileges of lounge access as far away as the alliance spans provided they are flying a Star Alliance route. Through joining the alliance the airlines hopes to increase customer’ loyalty.

Ethiopian also plans to provide standardized service to its passengers throughout their destinations without any service discrepancy as Star Alliance member airlines give a seamless service throughout the span of the operation. Passengers are checked in all the way through their destination to reduce stress and time spent for another round of check in. Ticket offices also can now issue electronic tickets to all destinations the member airlines operate, which gives passengers freedom to travel without paper tickets.

Star Alliance’s world-wide recognition gives both the airline and the country international promotion without much effort exerted to attain this goal. Thus, wherever it flies, Ethiopian will be recognized by the branded Star Alliance logo in addition to the Airline’s logo.
Other than being competent on the market, Star Alliance benefit member airlines in minimizing cost from sharing sales offices, maintenance facilities, catering or computer systems and extra volume discounts in investments and purchases. These give airlines an opportunity to compete with yet lower prices to customers in this price sensitive market without the need to cut on service standards.

By being a member of Star Alliance and maximizing the benefits specified, Ethiopian hopes to achieve its ‘Vision 2025’ and position itself as a leading aviation group in Africa.

In related news, the long-awaited Ethiopian Dreamliner aircraft delivery is once again postponed to June next year.:bash::ohno: Ethiopian placed order for ten Boeing 787-8 Dreamlinner aircraft valued at 1.5 billion dollars at least prices in 2005. The new jetliners deliver was originally slated for 2008-2010. However, due to various reasons the US aircraft manufacturer was unable to meet the deadline.

Boeing was expected to deliver the first two aircraft next January. This was, however, postponed to March some time ago. Reliable sources told The Reporter Boeing once again pushed the deadline to June next year.
The delay is costing Ethiopian dearly as it was forced to lease more aircraft. Sources said the delay has affected the airlines growth plan. However, they said Boeing is compensating the national flag carrier.

A B787 aircraft with Boeing livery is expected to come to Addis Ababa for demonstration and test flight on December 11. The tour will cover six countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

In addition to the Dreamliner, Ethiopian has placed order for ten Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft. The airline received the first B737-800 aircraft called Boeing’s Sky Interior.

In a related news the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) honoured former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Girma Wake. At its 43rd annual general assembly held from November 20-22 in Marrakech the association handed over a trophy to Girma who served the aviation industry for about 40 years. The association recognised Girma’s contribution not only to Ethiopian Airlines but also to the development of the African airline industry.

At the two-day meeting held at the Atlas Asni resort hotel, African aviation authorities deliberated on the major challenges they were facing. Exaggerated tax and airport fees, escalating fuel price, market protection, unfair competition, brain drain and political unrest were mentioned as the major hurdles discussed at the meeting.

Secretary General of AFRAA, Dr. Elijah Chingosho, said that with the view of reducing the cost of fuel African carriers were looking at the possibility that they could buy fuel jointly. Dr. Chingosho said that AFRAA was working on the joint fuel purchase agreement.

AFRAA is also deliberating with countries on the possibilities that they could revise taxes and airport fees. North African airlines have been seriously affected by the Arab revolution. The Libyan Airlines, Afriqaya, suspended operation eight months ago while the revenues of Air Algeria, Tunisia Air and Egypt Air dwindled due the Arab Spring.

http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/News/ethiopian-carries-star-alliance-logo.html

Skyliner123

December 3rd, 2011, 11:24 PM

JUN OF NEXT YEAR?!.....that is straight BULLSHITT!!

abnet

December 10th, 2011, 04:54 PM

The Boeing 787 'Dreamliner' to land in Addis Ababa Bole Airport tomorrow Dec 11, 2011 :banana:

http://64.19.142.13/i39.tinypic.com/b3u58o.jpg

Saturday, 10 December 2011 06:22
By KALEYESUS BEKELE

Boeing’s new jetliner coming out of the Everett’s manufacturing plant will make its debut in Africa by landing at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport tomorrow. In a statement sent to The Reporter Ethiopian said that the Dreamliner will be in Addis for a few days as Ethiopian’s officials, employees, and invited guests have a closer look at the innovations and advanced technologies of the 787. The date also marks the eve of Ethiopian membership entry into the Star Alliance

“Ethiopian Airlines is very pleased to be the first African airline to receive the environmental leader, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Addis Ababa on its first tour to Africa,” Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines said. “We are also proud to be the first African airline to operate the 787, providing our passengers with better flight experience, continuing our tradition in leading improved performance standards and asserting our leadership on the continent.”

Captain Desta Zeru, vice president, flight operations, will fly the new aircraft from Haikou, China, to Addis Ababa, becoming the first African captain to fly the 787.

"The 787 Dreamliner is a game-changing airplane and we are delighted to be able to bring this innovative product to our customers who will soon be receiving their own 787s," said Ray Conner, vice president of sales for Boeing commercial airplanes. "This airplane is now changing the way the world flies, and we want to share that excitement with as many people as we can."

Ethiopian has an order for 10 Dreamliners and is the first African airline to receive the aircraft. Ethiopian’s first 787 is scheduled to arrive in the second quarter of 2012. Ethiopian plans to use the 787 to expand its existing destinations as well as its presence in more markets worldwide, including new destinations in the Far East.

Ethiopian placed order for ten Boeing 787-8 Dreamlinner aircraft valued at 1.5 billion dollars at least prices in 2005. The new jetliners delivery was originally slated for 2008-2010. However, due to various reasons the US aircraft manufacturer was unable to meet the deadline.

Boeing was expected to deliver the first two aircraft next January. This was, however, postponed to March some time ago. Reliable sources told The Reporter Boeing once again pushed the deadline to June next year.

The delay is costing the Ethiopian dearly as it was forced to lease more aircraft. Sources said the delay has affected the airlines growth plan. However, they said Boeing is compensating the national flag carrier.

Ethiopian was the first African Airline to operate Boeing767 in 1984. It was also the first African airline to operate the Boeing 727 and 720 aircraft. The national flag carrier joined the jet age in the 1960s by operating the B720s.

http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/News/dreamliner-to-land-in-addis-ababa-tomorrow.html

abnet

December 14th, 2011, 06:01 AM

^^ Boeing 787 Dreamliner touchesdown in addis :cheers:

Boeing 787 Dreamliner Touches Down in Africa for First Time
- Africa is second continent on Boeing's six-month 787 Dream Tour
- Airplane scheduled to visit Ethiopia and Kenya during Africa portion of tour
PR NewswirePress Release: Boeing – Sun, Dec 11, 2011 10:06 AM EST

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia , Dec. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing's (NYSE: BA - News) 787 Dreamliner touched down in Ethiopia 's capital today to kick off the Africa portion of Boeing's 787 Dream Tour – a six-month worldwide tour featuring the Dreamliner. This is the first time the Dreamliner has visited the African continent.

The Dream Tour airplane will be in Addis Ababa , the capital of Ethiopia and home to Ethiopian Airlines, Dec. 11-14 before it travels to Nairobi, Kenya . During the four-day stop, Ethiopian Airlines executives and employees, government officials and other guests will have a chance to view the airplane, including the interior.

"Aviation throughout Africa continues to grow at a pace faster than the world average and it is airplanes like the game-changing 787, and airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, that will help spur that growth," said Van Rex Gallard , vice president of Sales for Africa , Latin America & Caribbean , Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 787 is the perfect airplane to carry Africa into the future of aviation due to its low operating costs, size and range. Boeing is very pleased to showcase this airplane to the customers who put their faith in Boeing and the cutting-edge technology of this airplane."

The airplane, ZA003, was originally used for flight testing but has been elegantly refurbished to showcase the standard capabilities and features of the 787 including an interior that highlights the many passenger-preferred features of the airplane.

"Ethiopian Airlines will be the first airline in Africa to operate this great new flying machine," said Tewolde Gebremariam , CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. "Ethiopian Airlines is very pleased to welcome the Dreamliner to Addis Ababa . Being able to see firsthand the many benefits the airplane promises to bring like the biggest windows in the industry, spacious cabin, LED-lighting, and other interior features was a great experience when the airplane arrived. Our valued passengers will also soon be able to see and experience the many benefits of this technological marvel."

Made from composite materials, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes and will allow airlines to open new, non-stop routes preferred by the traveling public. As a result of innovative technologies, the airplane offers unparalleled operating economics, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. More than 800 787s are on order by more than 50 airlines, a testament to the airplane's unique capabilities.

www.boeing.com

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/boeing-787-dreamliner-touches-down-150600669.html

And the Video which shows the dreamliner flown by Ethiopian pilot accompanied him an Ethiopian mechanic who worked on the dreamliner project

http://www.boeing.com/newairplane//787/dreamtour/#/en/addisababa/videos/

abnet

December 14th, 2011, 06:20 AM

Ethiopian Airlines became member of the Star-alliance

Ethiopian becomes newest member of Star Alliance

admin | Dec 13, 2011 | Comments 0

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – At a ceremony held at Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport, the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB) welcomed Ethiopian Airlines as the Alliance’s third carrier based on the African continent.

“Today we have taken a large step forward in completing our Africa strategy,” said Jaan Albrecht, CEO of Star Alliance, “With Ethiopian Airlines now part of the Star Alliance network, we offer our customers the widest choice of flights connecting to, from, and within Africa. Moreover, Ethiopian Airlines will bring the Star Alliance customer benefits to more markets across Africa, a region of the world in which air travel is enjoying steady growth rates.”

With the addition of Ethiopian Airlines, the Star Alliance network in Africa grows to cover major commercial and political cities of the continent particularly in East, Central, and West Africa. In total, the 16 Star Alliance member carriers serving Africa offer more than 750 daily flights to over 110 destinations in 48 countries on the continent, with Addis Ababa, Cairo, and Johannesburg serving as the main hubs.

“It is another historical milestone for Ethiopian to join this most prestigious and longest-serving alliance in the world,” said Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, “This day will remain colorfully marked in our history book. It is in line with our efforts to lay a strong foundation for the airline to achieve its vision 2025 objectives.”

On a global scale, with the addition of Ethiopian Airlines, the Star Alliance network now counts 28 airlines, offering a choice of more than 21,000 daily flights to 1,290 destinations in 189 countries.

Through its Star Alliance membership, Ethiopian Airlines now offers its customers the benefits of being a member of a global airline alliance: world-wide reach via the extensive network, seamless travel, and status recognition through the frequent flyer programs.

Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles participants can now earn miles when flying on any Star Alliance member carrier, with the collected miles counting towards achieving ShebaMiles Silver Club or Gold Glub status. All collected miles can be redeemed for flights operated by any Star Alliance member carrier. In addition, all ShebaMiles Silver Club and Gold Club customers will receive the respective Alliance Silver and Gold benefits every time they travel on a Star Alliance member carrier.

By the same token, Ethiopian Airlines will be extending the Alliance Silver and Gold benefits to status customers from all other Star Alliance member carriers when they fly on Ethiopian Airlines.

Ethiopian Airlines will also participate in and sell the various Alliance fare products. On the corporate side, Ethiopia is an important destination for meetings and conventions. Indeed, its capital city, Addis Ababa, is often referred to as the “political capital of Africa.” This stems from the fact that the city is home to organizations such as the African Union or United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. By participating in both Star Alliance Conventions Plus and Meetings Plus, Ethiopian Airlines will now be able to offer worldwide flight connections at special rates for delegates and participants.

On the leisure side, Ethiopian Airlines will begin participating in the various Star Alliance fare products as of January 1, 2012. The airline’s African routes will be added to the offer of the Star Alliance Africa Airpass, a special fare designed for those wishing to criss-cross the continent by air.

At the same time, Ethiopian Airlines will also become part of the Star Alliance Round the World fare, opening the airline’s network for globe trotters.

Source: Star Alliance
AFRICA AFRICA AIR SERVICE AFRICA AIRLINES AFRICA FLIGHTS BUSINESSTRAVEL ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES STAR ALLIANCE

© Copyright ZenaEthiopia 2011. All rights reserved.

http://www.zenaethiopia.com/?p=545

And on today's ETV you watch starting the 8th minute. I like the cultural cloth :cheers:

9QYCTDxS8No

Yoniii

December 14th, 2011, 08:21 AM

I like the cultural aspect as well, it seemed to have been a nice ceremony.

Ahadu

December 14th, 2011, 10:12 AM

Check this out.......

CNr1PodAD5A

Skyliner123

December 14th, 2011, 05:36 PM

Ethiopian Airlines negotiating to purchace additional Dreamliner-787s with Boeing.

Source: Reporter Amharic

abesha

December 14th, 2011, 05:41 PM

They should work on receiving the first batch :lol:

I love the traditional aspect too. Why sing Happy Birthday? :hilarious

DZman

December 15th, 2011, 02:13 AM

for goodnessake lets eat some cake :)
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3oQyV57wwLw/TujmMYSuAwI/AAAAAAAAG50/W9lU_-4P-wI/s1600/star_cake_L.jpeg

abnet

December 17th, 2011, 08:43 PM

Ethiopian Airlines negotiating to purchace additional Dreamliner-787s with Boeing.

Source: Reporter Amharic

Looks like they are not going to get it before 2019 .Because that I think they might order more Airbuses .Airbus is pushes them to buy the A330.

Saturday, 17 December 2011 08:28
By KALEYESUS BEKELE

The European consortium, Airbus, is pushing Ethiopian Airlines to place orders for its long-range A330 aircraft.

Reliable sources at Ethiopian told The Reporter that executives of Airbus have recently proposed to the management of Ethiopian that the Airbus A330 wide body jetliner was an ideal option as the airline is on a speedy growth. Sources said Airbus marketing team led by Mr. Francois Cognard, vice president for sales-Middle East and North Africa, have been repeatedly visiting Addis Ababa and trying hard to convince the management of Ethiopian to buy the A330 aircraft. According to sources, the Airbus team has presented attractive offers to the management of Ethiopian.

Mr. Cognard, who was in Addis Ababa early this week, declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations with Ethiopian. “Usually, aircraft manufacturers and carriers hold talks. But there is nothing that we could announce now,” he told The Reporter.

An independent aviation analyst told The Reporter that Ethiopian has to replace its 767-300 aircraft. “It will take four to five years for Boeing to deliver the ten B787-8 Dreamliner aircraft Ethiopian ordered in 2005. And Ethiopian is expanding its routes. Ethiopian is implementing a 15-year ambitious growth strategy called “Vision 2025”. According to this plan, the management hopes to boost its number of aircraft to 112 from the existing 47. So the airline needs a large number of wide body aircraft,” the analyst said.

“The Dreamliner and the A350XWB are not readily available in the market. If it orders the Boeing’s new aircraft-B747-8 it will also take a couple of years to take deliveries and Ethiopian needs more aircraft as early as possible to meet its growing demand. So what options are out there for Ethiopian? A330, A340 and B777. And I think the A330 is the best option.”

However, placing orders for the A330 will not be an easy decision. A source at Ethiopian said that even if Ethiopian believes in fleet diversification managing several different fleet is a daunting task. “But Ethiopian is evaluating the A330 as an option. A decision has not yet been made.”

Airbus has recorded over 1,100 orders for A330 family with more than 780 aircraft currently flying with more than 118 customers and operators worldwide. In addition to passenger aircraft, the A330 family includes freighter, VIP and military tanker variants.

The management of Ethiopian is also holding talks with Boeing to purchase five additional B787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. Ethiopian CEO, Tewolde Gebremariam, told The Reporter that though his management needs additional Dreamliners at the earliest possible, Boeing cannot deliver the additional aircraft before 2019. However, he said his management team is holding discussions with executives of Boeing. “They are saying they all are booked until 2019. But we need to have more Dreamliners well before that. We are still holding discussions.”

Ethiopian placed ten firm orders for B787-8, whose original delivery schedule was between 2008-2010. Now Boeing hopes to deliver the first two Dreamlinners to Ethiopian next June. Ethiopian will be the first African carrier to own and operate Dreamliner aircraft.

Boeing has monopolised Ethiopian middle and long range fleet for the past several decades. Ethiopian, which has been a loyal customer of Boeing for the last 65 years, for the first time placed orders for Airbus aircraft in 2009. Ethiopian ordered 12 A350XWB, Airbus new extra-wide body jetliner to come out of Airbus final assembly line in Toulouse early next year. The first deliveries of the A350s are scheduled for 2014. Ethiopian expects to receive its first A350s in 2017. Ethiopian is the first airline in sub-Saharan Africa to order for the A350XWB. The national flag carrier has also ordered four B777 freighters and ten B737-800.

Currently, Ethiopian operates a young fleet of 47 aircraft (39 jet, all of them are Boeing except two MD11 freighters and eight turboprops). According to AWAS, Ireland-based leasing company, with 38 aircraft on its order book, Ethiopian has the largest aircraft order list in Africa to be followed by South African Airways and Royal Air Maroc, each of which has 21 aircraft on order. Ethiopian’s rival, Kenya Airways, has 14 aircraft on order. SAA operates 55 aircraft, RAM 56 and KQ 31. The management of Ethiopian plans to increase the number of jet aircraft to 112 by 2025.

Boeing forecast that Africa will need 710 new aircraft in the 20-year period to 2029 worth about 80 billion dollars. Airbus has a more bullish forecast of 1270 new aircraft deliveries to African carriers in the next 20 years.

The management of Ethiopian plans to transform the airline into a big aviation group comprising seven different business entities - Ethiopian International, Et domestic, ET cargo, Et Technic, ET catering, ET Ground handling and ET aviation academy - that will generate 10 billion dollars. It also plans to increase its number of international destinations to 90.

This week the management of Ethiopian celebrated two colorful events -Dreamliner’s landing in Addis Ababa - debut appearance in the African sky-and Ethiopian joining the Star Alliance group. Boeing’s Dreamliner tour team arrived in Addis Ababa last Sunday. The state-of-the-art aircraft commenced its tour in China on December4. Capt. Desta Zeru, Flight operations head with Ethiopian, flew the jetliner called AZ003 from Hankou, China, to Addis Ababa on Sunday afternoon. It landed at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport after hovering over the city for some time heralding the coming of the aircraft to Africa.

Capt. Desta, who became the first African pilot, told The Reporter that the 9-hour and 20-minute flight was smooth. “Previously I have flown the 787-8 simulator. This is my first time to fly the new aircraft. It is a magnificent jetliner” he said.

The Boeing team comprises 25 technical and marketing executives and four test pilots. Employees of Ethiopian, management and board members, government officials and local and foreign media representatives visited the aircraft with blue livery.

While Tewolde and executives of Boeing were preparing themselves for a press briefing, the Ethiopian first lady, Azeb Mesfin, made a surprise visit to the Dreamliner. After Tewolde showed her to the cockpit, the business and economy class she left the aircraft.

Executives of Boeing made a briefing about the aircraft to members of the media. Steve Johnson, director, product marketing, said that the aircraft was made of carbon composite which is light and strong that enabled the aircraft to consume less fuel. Boeing bosts that Dreamliner uses 20 percent less fuel than similar other aircraft. “The wing itself gives it 7 percent more flexibility. The aircraft has a tremendous electrical architecture. The widows are large and the glasses are photo-static. The aircraft has low operating cost,” Jonson said. He said that the aircraft was quieter adding that it has less carbon emission.

Executives of Boeing were asked when they will deliver the Ethiopian Dreamliners. However, they gave the floor to Tewolde, who retorted that Boeing will start delivering the first Dreamliners in the second quarter of 2012. The aircraft - the third to be produced by Boeing for test flights - is powered by the Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines. The Ethiopian Dreamliners will be equipped with GE engines.

Rob Faye, sales director for Africa, told The Reporter that Boeing will deliver the first two Dreamliner to Ethiopian in June next year and two more will be delivered before the end of 2012. He said the remaining six aircraft will be delivered between 2013 and 2014.

The delay in the Dreamliners delivery is costing the airline dearly. Executives of Boeing were asked if they were compensating Ethiopian. Adam Morgan, international communications head, said that was a confidential matter. Ethiopian has been a loyal customer of Boeing for the past 65 years. Executives of Boeing were asked what they felt when Ethiopian placed orders for Airbus aircraft. “We respect their decision,” they gave a short answer.

Speaking of simulators, executives of Boeing said they were discussing the matter. “Simulators are expensive. You need to have more aeroplanes to make them cost-effective,” Van Rex Gallard, Latin America, Africa and Caribbean, said. Mr. Gallard was asked if ten Dreamlinners were not good enough to acquire simulators. “It is the airline that decides on that. But we are discussing the matter,” he replied.

Tewolde was asked if the airline trained its cockpit crew members on Dreamliners. “Since the training course for B777 (Ethiopian acquired five of them) and B787 were almost similar - with only a five-hour difference - it will take us a short period to train our pilots. Probably the training will start next month,” Tewolde said.

In a related news, Ethiopian officially joined the Star Alliance group on Tuesday. At a ceremony held at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport the Star Allaince chief executive board welcomed Ethiopian Airlines as the 28th member and as the third African carrier.

“Today we have taken a large step forward in completing our Africa strategy,” said Jaan Albrecht, CEO Star Alliance. “With Ethiopian Airlines now part of the Star Alliance network, we offer our customers the widest choice of fligths connecting to, from and within Africa. Moreover, Ethiopian will bring the Star Alliance customer benefits to more markets across Africa, a region of the world in which air travel is enjoying steady growth rates.”

With the addition of Ethiopian, the star alliance network in Africa grows to cover major commercial and political cities of the continent particularly in East, Central and West Africa. In total, the 16 Star Alliance member carriers serving Africa offer more than 750 daily flights to over 110 destinations in 48 countries on the continent, with Addis Ababa, Cairo and Johannesburg serving as the main hubs.

Tewolde said, “It is another historical milestone for Ethiopian to join this most prestigious and longest serving Alliance in the world. “This day will remain colorfully marked in our history book. It is in line with our efforts to lay a strong foundation for the airline to achieve its vision 2025 objectives.” Tewolde acknowledged the role of Ethiopian employees in joining the group. He also lauded Girma Wake, former CEO, for his “visionary leadership”.

On a global scale, with the addition of Ethiopian, the Star alliance network now counts 28 airlines, offering a choice of more than 21,000 daily flights to 1,290 destinations in 189 countries.

http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/News/airbus-pushes-ethiopian-to-buy-a330.html

Skyliner123

December 23rd, 2011, 02:16 AM

Nice!

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/2/2/1/2035122.jpg

DZman

December 24th, 2011, 04:14 PM

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/406463_2747863146971_1569351566_32598715_787332047_n.jpg

Ethiopian Airlines Head Office: Bole Airport, Addis Ababa. They for sure need a bigger head office

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/380445_2765207900579_1569351566_32604964_566870565_n.jpg

a presentation of 787 to the Star Alliance's airline member bosses and the media at the Sheraton Hotel...looks roomy for the economy class

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/402225_2754390990163_1569351566_32601302_252218947_n.jpg

A Boeing 767 with Star Alliance sign allover on it

abnet

December 29th, 2011, 02:32 AM

Ethiopian to buy five Bombardier aircraft :cheers:

Saturday, 24 December 2011 08:33
By KALEYESUS BEKELE

- Boeing gets the green light for B747-8 test flights in Addis Ababa

Ethiopian Airlines is finalising negotiations with the Canadian aircraft manufacturer, Bombardier, to buy five Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft. A senior executive at Ethiopian told The Reporter that the management of Ethiopian has been holding talks with representatives of Bombardier for the past several months. The executive said the management of Ethiopian was finalising the negotiations to place firm orders for five Q400s.

“The two parties are now discussing the details of the purchase contract. Hopefully, it would be concluded in the coming couple of months,” he said.

Ethiopian acquired eight Q400 aircraft valued at 192 million dollars in 2010. The airline deployed the aircraft on domestic and regional routes. It has leased one of the aircraft to ASKY Airlines based in Togo. According to sources, the management of Ethiopian is happy with the performance of the Q400s.

Q400s are regional aircraft each of which has up to 70 seats. Bombardier says the Q400 NextGen aircraft is one of the most technologically advanced regional aircraft in the world. “It has an enhanced cabin, lowest operating costs, low fuel burn and low emissions – providing an ideal balance of passenger comfort and operating economics, with a reduced environmental scorecard.”

The company declined to disclose the discussions it was having with the management of Ethiopian. In an email response to The Reporter, John R. Arnone, manager, media and public relations, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft said, “As a rule we cannot confirm specific discussions with customers or prospective customers; the reason is that discussions are confidential. If and when we receive a firm aircraft order from anywhere in the world, we disclose this with a news release, providing all the relevant details.”

In a related news the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) gave a permit for Boeing to conduct a test flight for the B747-8 aircraft at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

The director general of the ECAA, Col. Wossenyeleh Hunegnaw, told The Reporter that the authority has given permission to Boeing to conduct the test flights.

Last July executives of Boeing informed the authority that they wanted to conduct high altitude test flights at the Addis Ababa airport with the new jetliner and requested permission. However, the authority did not accept the request at that time on the ground that the Ethiopian Airports Enterprise was undertaking a massive airport expansion project at the Bole International Airport. Officials of the CAA had told executives of Boeing that there was a congestion due to the ongoing construction work. The Ethiopian Airport Enterprise last year launched the Addis Ababa airport expansion program. A Chinese construction firm is constructing the ramps at a cost of two billion birr. According to the enterprise, the expansion project would be finalised soon.

Col. Wossenyeleh said Boeing could now conduct the test flight as the enterprise is finalising the airport expansion project. “We have already given them the green light,” he told The Reporter.

Aircraft manufacturers prefer Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for its high altitude tests. Engine performance is usually tested at high altitude. In October 2006 Airbus conducted a flight test for its A380 Super Jumbo aircraft in Addis Ababa. The biggest commercial aircraft, A380, was again here in Addis Ababa in 2009 upon its return from the Dubai Airshow.

Boeing’s latest airliner to fly, the 747-8 Intercontinental, in the middle of this year began its flight test programme with take-off on its maiden flight from Paine Field in Everett, Washington State. The new 747-8 Intercontinental, painted in a vivid orange-and-white livery with grey and gold striping, made its debut at the Paris Airshow held in Le Bourget last June.

With planned 380 seats, the B747-8 has a list price of 317 million dollars. Lufthansa is the launch customer of the new jetliner with 20 firm orders. Arik Air of Nigeria recently placed four firm orders for this particular type.

http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/News/ethiopian-to-buy-five-bombardier-aircraft.html

Simfan34

December 30th, 2011, 10:37 PM

yosiast

December 31st, 2011, 06:14 AM

Fun picture with all the Star Alliance CEOs in traditional garb.

http://res.heraldm.com/content/image/2011/12/15/20111215000710_0.jpg

Interestingly enough, this is the first picture I've ever seen that has the Amharic on the logo at the same size with the English. Hope to see this more!

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/3349/amharicparity.png

I couldn't agree more...since when did we adopt English as a national language? I am truly pleased to see the Amharic equally represented. Now, if only we can get all the businesses in Addis to start doing the same, it would be nice.

abesha

December 31st, 2011, 03:14 PM

^^It should be enforced by law. That's the only way.

Ethiopian looks east

The Ethiopian Airlines is undertaking a study to open four new routes to Asian countries South: Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and more destinations in China.

Ethiopian CEO TewoldeGebremariam told The Reporter that the national flag carrier wants to strengthen its Asian market by opening new routes to the stated countries. Ethiopian has seven destinations in Asia. Ethiopian flies to three cities in China - Beijing, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou. It also flies to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Mumbai, and Delhi. “We are undertaking market studies on Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and more destinations in China,” Tewolde said.

Ethiopian is also planning to open new routes to the US in addition to Washington DC. Ethiopian is preparing to launch a new flight to Toronto this year. The Canadian Civil Aviation Authority has already given the green light to Ethiopian. The airline hopes to launch the flight to Toronto, where is a large Ethiopian community. Ethiopian will deploy new jetliners - hopefully the Dreamliners - on the new routes.

Ethiopian, which was established in 1945, serves 62 international and 17 domestic destinations. The airline, which prides itself on being “The New Spirit of Africa” serves 40 destinations in Africa, the largest number of destinations served by a single airline.

Ethiopian currently flies only to Cairo in North Africa. A senior executive of the airline told The Reporter that currently the airline is eyeing the north African market - Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. However, the executive declined to mention the exact destinations (cities) that the airline wants to serve in North Africa.http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/News/ethiopian-looks-east.html

mike7743

January 1st, 2012, 10:31 PM

Fun picture with all the Star Alliance CEOs in traditional garb.

Interestingly enough, this is the first picture I've ever seen that has the Amharic on the logo at the same size with the English. Hope to see this more!

Ironically enough, the only people in the picture in western clothing are Ethiopians. Love that Amharic logo as well, such a wonderful writing.

yosiast

January 2nd, 2012, 06:49 AM

Ironically enough, the only people in the picture in western clothing are Ethiopians. Love that Amharic logo as well, such a wonderful writing.

That's one of the first things I noticed too. They're both Ministers...can't understand why they can't don a good'ol Shemma like everyone else. SHAME!

xJamaax

January 2nd, 2012, 05:05 PM

Finally ET is in the Star Alliance family!:cheers:

There are many African airlines in the alliance unlike SkyTeam but I think they stand to gain more from the alliance because of the location of their hub.South African Airways is in the same alliance but look at the location or maybe they depend on other routes like the Americas?I think so.

Simfan34

January 2nd, 2012, 10:49 PM

Emirates has sadly taken up the space and market I would envision for Ethiopia.

abnet

January 14th, 2012, 05:53 PM

Chinese firm to build maintenance hangar for Ethiopian Airlines

Chinese firm snags USD 100 mln contract from Ethiopian
By Kirubel Tadesse
Monday, 09 January 2012 10:28

The national flag carrier Ethiopian Airlines has awarded a new maintenance hangar construction project worth 100 million dollars to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) after a competitive bid, Capital has learnt.
“The maintenance hangar has been awarded to AVIC and we are talking about the financing of the project. We will finance it through loan arrangements with a Chinese bank,” Ethiopian Chief Executive Officer Tewolde GebreMariam told Capital.
The maintenance hangar the Chinese state-owned AVIC will build for Ethiopian is going to raise the number of hangars Ethiopian has to four.
According to Tewolde the hangar construction project should commence in the first quarter of 2012 with scheduled completion within 900 days from the start.
AVIC had to impress the management of Ethiopian in both technical and financial evaluations to receive the project which is part of a multimillion facility expansion projects the airliner is undertaking.
A bid inviting firms to compete for the construction of a new maintenance hangar for Ethiopian was issued in 2011 when the carrier launched the multi-million dollar expansion projects. The expansion is aimed at meeting Ethiopian’s vision 2025 that should evolve the airliner into a diversified aviation group.
Other than the 100 million dollar maintenance hangar; new headquarters, expanding the aviation academy and constructing a simulator building for different fleet types including for the Boeing 787 aircraft are also among facilities tasked to meet the fifteen year strategic plan embarked in January, 2011 when CEO Tewolde took office.
International passenger, domestic and regional, cargo, maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO), aviation academy, and in-flight catering and ground services are the envisioned independent business units that will come under the umbrella of what will be known as The Ethiopian Group at the successful completion of vision 2025.
“The new maintenance hangar is one of the facility projects Ethiopian is undertaking in line with vision 2025. Ethiopian anticipates huge expansion, and the existing hangars cannot accommodate the anticipated growth. Ethiopian has also been targeting the growing market for third party maintenance,” said Wogayehu Terefe, Manager of Ethiopian PR and Publications, in an emailed response.
Further advancing Ethiopian aircraft and aircraft parts’ maintenance business ambitions, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has granted EASA Part 145 Approval to Ethiopian MRO.
“This approval authorizes Ethiopian MRO Division to repair airplanes and aircraft components of airlines registered under any European Union member country, and issue EASA Airworthiness Certificates,” Ethiopian said in a statement issued on December 30.
The B767 and B757 fleet line maintenance, base airframe maintenance and component maintenance are included within the scope of the approval.
“The approval enables Ethiopian Airlines to attract more Airline Customers in Africa, Middle East, and possibly Europe to use the Ethiopian MRO services for the maintenance of their aircraft and components. This is expected to bring additional revenue to the Ethiopian Aviation Group in line with Vision 2025 Strategy,” said Mesfin Tassew, Chief Operating Officer of Ethiopian.
The Ethiopian MRO worked for more than a year to align its processes with EASA Part 145 requirements. EASA had conducted a rigorous audit of the Ethiopian MRO facilities and processes, and confirmed full compliance to its standards before it issued the approval.
Ethiopian MRO is approved by Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and other national CAAs in the region for several decades now. This addition of EASA Approval will enable Ethiopian MRO to issue all internationally recognized maintenance certificates for airplanes and components.

http://capitalethiopia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=301:chinese-firm-snags-usd-100-mln-contract-from-ethiopian-&catid=54:news&Itemid=27

Skyliner123

January 15th, 2012, 05:31 PM

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimmylwh/6697552159/sizes/l/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimmylwh/6697552159/sizes/l/in/photostream/
Jimmy LWH

lady gaga

January 20th, 2012, 12:48 PM

Hey Ethios why is there only a thread for ET what about a thread for general Airlines in ADD

lady gaga

January 20th, 2012, 12:49 PM

here is an example this thread for only Ethiopian Airlines right? ok what about the other news that doesn't include ET like this one

Frankfurt – Khartoum – Addis Ababa
*Addis Ababa – NONSTOP service is replaced by 1-stop service via Khartoum. Overall service increases from 5 to 6 weekly
*Khartoum – Service kept at 4 weekly, with NONSTOP flight replacing 1-stop via Jeddah. However Day 35 operating as Technical Stop for ADD service

LH598 FRA1140 – 1825KRT1925 – 2110ADD 333 15
LH598 FRA1140 – 1825KRT1925 – 2110ADD 343 x157

LH599 ADD2255 – 0040+1KRT0155+1 – 0700+1FRA 333 15
LH599 ADD2255 – 0040+1KRT0155+1 – 0700+1FRA 343 x157

lady gaga

January 20th, 2012, 12:50 PM

most airlines like KLM and Lufthansa always go by Khartoum Airport to Addis Ababa i wonder why ??

Skyliner123

January 21st, 2012, 01:24 AM

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/9/9/8/2049899.jpg

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/4/8/8/2046884.jpg

abesha

January 21st, 2012, 01:27 AM

The fidel writing should be much larger. Why are they so timid with it?

Skyliner123

January 21st, 2012, 01:45 AM

Besha,

I wish the fidel was written in 'bilboard, style like the English characters---all accross the fuselage. What happned to the cute avator? If you're gonna use a mapet show character, I would have choosen Miss Piggy instead.

yosef

January 21st, 2012, 02:23 AM

Hey Ethios why is there only a thread for ET what about a thread for general Airlines in ADD
hi lady gaga, if you want you can put that type of news in this thread or in the following thread:

AIRPORT AND AVIATION NEWS AND DISCUSSION (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1062569) ‎(http://www.skyscrapercity.com/images/misc/multipage.gif 1 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1062569) 2 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1062569&page=2) 3 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1062569&page=3) 4 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1062569&page=4) 5 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1062569&page=5) 6 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1062569&page=6) 7 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1062569&page=7))

Either one is fine.

Kata-2

January 21st, 2012, 05:06 AM

I don't like the black color on the vertical_stabilizer of the plane. Its ugly and they should leave it as it's before.

yosiast

January 21st, 2012, 06:18 AM

The fidel writing should be much larger. Why are they so timid with it?
I agree...prior to this new logo (which took effect in the early 2000s) the Fidel writing was much more prominent and the English one was smaller. My father, who worked for the airlines at the time told me that the Airline decided to 'adapt to Globalization' and with being English being the language of Commerce etc...Of course, I disagreed with that and he also was not too fond of the change but said he understood the need to do so as the Company has increasingly global ambitions that go beyond just flying planes. Anyways, I think it's completely unnecessary as to why we even use English as a second language back home - as if we were colonized or something. Someone should start a campaign against this Englishization of Ethiopia in general :)

lady gaga

January 21st, 2012, 09:09 AM

I don't like the black color on the vertical_stabilizer of the plane. Its ugly and they should leave it as it's before.

:nono: it looks just fine :)

lady gaga

January 30th, 2012, 02:12 PM

The new ET commercial it looks outstanding very historic and nice song in the commercial i loved and the last stewardess looks so beautiful and hot

N4iII0ukvyI

Yoniii

January 30th, 2012, 02:55 PM

Nice find, I like it too.

lady gaga

January 30th, 2012, 02:59 PM

Nice find, I like it too.

+1 :yes: i can tell you that this video really im not just saying this made me love and want to go to Ethiopia :cheers:

lady gaga

January 31st, 2012, 01:22 PM

Yayyyyyy!! :banana::banana::banana: Ethiopian Airlines is going to launch Dammam in Saudi Arabia route next Friday thats where i live :banana::banana::banana::banana: its going to make it easy for the Africans there espicially Sudanese living in Dammam i told my father about this news and said oh great now we can fly to Khartoum VIA Addis Ababa :banana::banana::banana:

lady gaga

January 31st, 2012, 01:23 PM

Ethiopian Airlines to Launch Addis Ababa-Dammam Service

Ethiopian Airlines is launching three-times-weekly service from Addis Ababa to Dammam, the capital of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, on February 12.

Dammam is a large metropolitan and industrial area that lies on a peninsula stretching out into the Persian Gulf. It is a major seaport, exporting and importing a wide variety of goods and commodities. It is a center for the oil and gas industry and is the commercial center for eastern Saudi Arabia.
“The new flight services to Dammam provide opportunities for business people as well as tourists to explore Dammam’s investment and leisure potentials,” says Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines.

Dammam will be Ethiopian’s eighth destination in the Middle East and its 64th worldwide.

Ethiopian Airlines’ schedule for the new service calls for flight ET422 to depart Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport (IATA code ADD) at 10:45 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and arrive at Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport (DMM, the largest airport in the world in terms of overall land area) at 2:30 a.m. the next morning. Addis Ababa and Dammam are in the same time zone, which is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

In the other direction, flight ET423 is timed to leave DMM at 3:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and touch down at ADD at 7:30 a.m.

Ethiopian Airlines says the new flight will connect Dammam to dozens of cities in Africa via the airline’s hub at Addis Ababa. The flight is timed to make convenient connections to and from cities such as Johannesburg, Nairobi, Lagos, Accra, Dar es Salaam, Entebbe and Dakar.

Ethiopian Airlines has served Saudi Arabia longer than any other country in the Middle East for Ethiopian Airlines except for Yemen. Saudi Arabia is also the only country in the region where the airline currently plans to serve three cities: Ethiopian already serves Jeddah and Riyadh.

To mark the new Addis Ababa-Dammam service, Ethiopian is offering a promotional round-trip fare on the route from the Ethiopian capital. The fare starts from US$360 and is valid for travel until November 30, 2012.

Source:http://www.airlinesanddestinations.com/airlines/ethiopian-airlines-to-launch-addis-ababa-dammam-service/

lady gaga

January 31st, 2012, 01:24 PM

What do you think Ethiopians ?

abesha

January 31st, 2012, 04:02 PM

lady gaga

January 31st, 2012, 04:13 PM

Good, of course :)

So how many cities is that going to be in Saudi Arabia? I'm pretty sure they go to Jeddah and Riyadh, and perhaps Meccah.

eta: nevermind, the article states only Jeddah and Riyadh so far.

:) first mecca doesn't have an airport because its very close to Jeddah only 15 minutes away ET had a route to Riyadh but i think it got canceled and got restored again Saudi Arabia is a very important point to ET in the middle east because of ET Muslim pilgrims and stuff now i can finally visit Addis directly with no transits :banana::banana: btw ET have 2 daily glights to Jeddah KSA :)

lady gaga

January 31st, 2012, 04:16 PM

No this is the second/third route in Saudi Arabia i have never imagined that any african airlines except Egypt Air will introduce DMM flights there are 20% African living in Dammam and like 15 % of them are Sudanese and Egyptians and Somali its very rare to find other nationality

Skyliner123

January 31st, 2012, 11:56 PM

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/0/1/4/2054410.jpg
http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/6/9/0/2042096.jpg

lady gaga

February 6th, 2012, 03:13 PM

Ethiopian Airlines Splits Rome & Stockholm Service from mid-June 2012

Ethiopian Airlines starting 15JUN12 is splitting operating on Addis Ababa –

Rome – Stockholm service.

The Star Alliance will be operating Daily Addis Ababa – Rome with Boeing

767-300ER (plus additional 1 weekly flight continuing to London on

northbound), and 5 weekly Addis Ababa – Stockholm with Boeing 757-

200. Stockholm operation will reduce from Daily to 5 weekly.

Schedule:

Addis Ababa – Rome

ET702 ADD0830 – 1400FCO 763 D

ET703 FCO1450 – 2145ADD 763 D

Addis Ababa – Stockholm

ET714 ADD2355 – 0630+1ARN 757 x25

ET715 ARN2100 – 0640+1ADD 757 x36

Yoniii

February 6th, 2012, 08:44 PM

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!:bash: Bastards!

abesha

February 6th, 2012, 09:25 PM

Why? You get to have a direct flight with no stopovers!

Simfan34

February 6th, 2012, 09:27 PM

This is good! Or did you have a lady friend in Rome or something? :lol:

Yoniii

February 6th, 2012, 10:18 PM

Oh, I completely misread the info. :lol: EA is back to being my favorite airline again, damn this is sweeeet! :D

lady gaga

February 8th, 2012, 03:14 PM

Yoniii is interested lol

lady gaga

February 8th, 2012, 03:38 PM

I found a magnificent oics of ADD but i dont know where to post it so ill post it here ok

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p207/shefgab/africa2/CIMG1099.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p207/shefgab/africa2/CIMG1098.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p207/shefgab/africa2/CIMG1096.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p207/shefgab/africa2/CIMG1093.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p207/shefgab/africa2/CIMG1092.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p207/shefgab/africa2/CIMG1091.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p207/shefgab/africa2/CIMG1081.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p207/shefgab/africa2/CIMG1076.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p207/shefgab/africa2/CIMG1068.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p207/shefgab/africa2/CIMG1066.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p207/shefgab/africa2/CIMG1063.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p207/shefgab/africa2/CIMG1062.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p207/shefgab/africa2/CIMG1058.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p207/shefgab/africa2/CIMG1057.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p207/shefgab/africa2/CIMG1043.jpg

my hands :ohno::ohno: anyway ADD looks nice :banana::banana:

lady gaga

February 8th, 2012, 04:10 PM

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/6/4/2/2035246.jpg

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/4/2/7/2022724.jpg

lady gaga

February 8th, 2012, 08:13 PM

Ethiopian Airlines Increasing Frankfurt Service to Daily from mid-June 2012

Ethiopian Airlines starting 15JUN12 is to increase Addis Ababa – Frankfurt service from 5 weekly to Daily, on board Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. Its Star Alliance partner Lufthansa from 25MAR12 is increasing this route from 5 to 6 weekly, despite operation is changing to 1-stop via Khartoum.

Ethiopian schedule as follows:

ET706 ADD1000 – 1635FRA 763 D
ET707 FRA2235 – 0645+1ADD 763 D

lady gaga

February 8th, 2012, 08:14 PM

All the flights by KLM and now Lufthansa are operated VIA Khartoum we cool :cool: at least you guys get a quick look at Khartoum before you go home lol

Skyliner123

February 10th, 2012, 06:16 AM

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/1/8/7/2060781.jpg

Kata-2

February 10th, 2012, 06:29 PM

^^Does every member of S.Alliance required to have that huge logo or just ETA being asshole. Change the damn thing back to what it was

Yoniii

February 10th, 2012, 06:32 PM

I think every member airline has at least one "star alliance" plane.

Kata-2

February 10th, 2012, 06:44 PM

So, I guess this plane is the only one that is carrying this log then...

Yoniii

February 10th, 2012, 07:21 PM

It's been the same plane in the photos I've seen, ET-ALO. The others will only be decorated with the "star" in the front.

Yoniii

February 11th, 2012, 10:30 AM

"Ethiopian Airlines Bags the Gold"

Ethiopian Airlines wins the Gold Award in the African Airline of the Year 2011/2012 Award given by African Aviation News portal. Ethiopian Airlines emerged ahead of the pack garnering the highest number of the votes cast in by the readers and followers of African Aviation, who voted in an online poll, set up at the African Aviation's website as well as in various industry meetings and airline congress events attended by officials of African Aviation. More than 20,000 votes registered in total, with Kenya Airways getting the Silver Award and Precision Air Tanzania pegging down the Bronze Award.
African Aviation News

In the past 65 years, Ethiopian Airlines became one of the continent’s most reputable airlines, unparalleled in Africa for its successful operations in industry service with maximum efficiency. It is at the leading edge of modern technology, maintaining the latest state-of-the-art fleets and providing excellent services to the pan African network and sixty two international destinations.

In addition, Ethiopian Airlines is conscientiously operating to make their Ethiopian Aviation Academy the best flying school in Africa. The Gold Award is a welcome addition to Ethiopian Airlines’ bevy of distinguished recognitions bestowed by different organizations in the industry, the latest of which is the ‘Airline of The Year for 2010 Award’ in the 43rd AFRAA Annual General Assembly.
Continue (http://www.african-aviation.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=900:african-airline-of-the-year-award-20112012-ethiopian-airlines-bags-the-gold&catid=16:africa)

http://www.african-aviation.com/images/stories/ethiopian777med.png

EriFly

February 11th, 2012, 09:35 PM

I think every member airline has at least one "star alliance" plane.

I dont think its just 1 plane, its based on a percentage of the fleet. I think its around like 2% so expect more

Yoniii

February 11th, 2012, 10:29 PM

I dont think its just 1 plane, its based on a percentage of the fleet. I think its around like 2% so expect more
I see. I think it's positive as long as it's limited, for marketing purposes. Being a member gives a sense of quality.

abnet

February 18th, 2012, 04:00 PM

Nice pictures Lady Gaga keep them coming :cheers:

Ethiopian Airlines orders five Bombardier aircraft.

Saturday, 18 February 2012 05:47
By KALEYESUS BEKELE

The Ethiopian Airlines yesterday announced that it has placed firm orders for five Bombardier Q400 aircraft valued at 160 million dollars at least price. On February 13 Bombardier Aerospace announced that it received five firm orders for five Q400 NextGen aircraft from anonymous customers. Yesterday the Canadian airframer confirmed that Ethiopian Airlines is the customer that placed the firm order for five Q400 NextGen aircraft announced on February 13, 2012.

Bombardier said two of the five aircraft would be operated by Ethiopian Airlines and three by its affiliate, ASKY Airlines of Togo. Based on the list price for the Q400 NextGen airliner, the transaction is valued at approximately 160 million dollars. “The Q400 NextGen airliner has fully met our expectations for economics, performance and passenger acceptance,” said Tewolde Gebremariam, Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian Airlines. “Of great importance to us is the aircraft’s high rate of climb, single-engine service ceiling and higher take-off weight, thus greater payload, when operating from our high altitude hot-weather airports.”

“Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft have been gaining a headway in Africa, where Ethiopian Airlines and ten other operators now have more than 40 of these aircraft in service or on firm order,” said Mike Arcamone, president, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Q400 aircraft are proving their high value in both the arid environment of northern Africa and the moist environment in sub-Saharan Africa.” More than 200 Bombardier-produced CRJ Series regional jets and Q-Series turboprops are on firm order or in service in Africa and the Middle East.

The aircraft has 78 seats. Previously Ethiopian acquired eight Q400s that it deployed on domestic and regional routes. One of the eight Q400s has been leased to ASKY Airlines.

Showing 1 comment

Zak Sai
Why isn't Ethiopian govt using its leverage in buying airplanes? Jet engines which consume a significant portion of the purchase price of any plane are manufactured by General Electric, United Technologies and Rolls Royce. Coincidentally, the same companies engaged in manufacturing world class turbine for electric generation which is priority numero uno for the Govt. Similarly instead of buying Bombardier from Canada, Ethiopia can buy similar planes from Brazil. Brazil is one of the foremost suppliers of airplanes besides coffee, sugar and above all ethanol. We need to lure Brazilians and utilize their skills in sugar cane& coffee production. As much of our foreign currency is being eaten for the purchase of fuel, it is time to switch to ethanol, which is a speciality of Brazil. As Canada is contemplating sanction against Ethiopia for alleged human right abuse, this is worth looking into. Above all, as Canadian companies are engaged in mining in Eritrea and were instrumental in watering down the UN Sanction against Eritrea, it is not time to reward them ......

http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/News/ethiopian-orders-five-bombardier-aircraft.html

lady gaga

February 18th, 2012, 04:05 PM

Finally someone noticed thank you very much :D

lady gaga

February 19th, 2012, 01:39 PM

Ethiopian Airlines to Start Boeing 787 Service from June 2012: Routes as of 19FEB12

As per 19FEB12 GDS timetable and inventory display, Ethiopian Airlines is set to introduce Boeing 787 aircraft starting mid-June 2012. ET’s Boeing 787 seats 270, including 24 Cloud 9 Business Class and 246 Economy Class.

Planned Boeing 787 operation as follows. Although routes mentioned below are now opened for reservation, there is a chance for 787 inaugural date to be altered pending on delivery time frame.

Addis Ababa – Dubai eff 15JUN12 ET600/601 operates with 787, replaces 767/77L (EXCEPT 16AUG12 – 15SEP12) ET600 ADD2215 – 0300+1DXB 787 D ET601 DXB0435 – 0740ADD 787 D eff 16JUN12

Addis Ababa – Johannesburg eff 15JUN12 Daily 787 service replaces Boeing 767 ET809 ADD0850 – 1330JNB 787 D ET808 JNB1420 – 2050ADD 787 D

Addis Ababa – Guangzhou eff 15AUG12 Daily nonstop flight replacing Boeing 767 via Bangkok ET606 ADD0030 – 1515CAN 787 D ET607 CAN2300 – 0600+1ADD 787 D

Addis Ababa – Harare eff 18SEP12 Service operates Day x246, replacing 767-300 (Day 246 with 737-800; this route from 16SEP12 operates nonstop in both direction) ET873 ADD0920 – 1245HRE 787 x246 ET872 HRE1440 – 1955ADD 787 x246

Addis Ababa – Lusaka eff 18SEP12 Service operates on Day 246, replacing 767 (this route from 16SEP12 to operate nonstop in both direction) ET883 ADD0910 – 1215LUN 787 246 ET882 LUN1500 – 2005ADD 787 246

abnet

February 19th, 2012, 09:58 PM

^^ They need to put some 787 on to the USA flight than to Harare or Lusaka :nuts:

Airbus executives to visit Ethiopia.

New !February 19 Posted by: Dave | Today, 04:55 |

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Senior executives of the European consortium, Airbus, will visit Addis Ababa next week.

The Airbus marketing team, led by François Cognard, Vice President for Sales, Middle East and North Africa, will arrive here on Monday and will hold a press briefing on Tuesday at the Sheraton Addis.

According to Mr. Linden Birns, spokesperson of Airbus in sub-Saharan Africa, at the media briefing executives of Airbus will present the company’s latest Global Market Outlook for the airline industry in Eastern Africa and an update on all of its aircraft programmes, including the A350XWB, which has been ordered by Ethiopian Airlines. Ethiopian Airlines has placed orders for 12 Airbus A350XWB aircraft.

Airbus is pushing Ethiopian Airlines to place orders for its long-range aircraft A330. Executives of Airbus have recently proposed to the management of Ethiopian that the Airbus A330 widebody jetliner was an ideal option as the airline is on a speedy growth. The Airbus marketing team led by Mr. Francois Cognard have been repeatedly visiting Addis Ababa and trying hard to convince the management of Ethiopian to buy the A330 aircraft. The Airbus team has presented attractive offers to the management of Ethiopian.

The airbus marketing team is expected to meet executives of Ethiopian early next week. The marketing team would brief the management of Ethiopian on the development of the A350XWB aircraft, Airbus’ new jetliner which will soon start rolling out of Airbus finally assembly line in Toulouse, France. Executives of Airbus would also make a presentation on the A330 Aircraft.

Source: Ethiopian Reporter

Simfan34

February 20th, 2012, 06:00 PM

Let's keep it all Boeing!

YeEthiopia

March 3rd, 2012, 02:54 PM

According to Sheba Miles news letter sent to it's customers ET is planning to launch commercial flights probably this summer to new three cities shown below. Also 787 will serve Johannesburg, Harare and Lusaka in addition to China flight.

Ethiopian to operate with 787 to
Johannesburg starting from this summer.
New Destinations of Ethiopian Coming Soon

Seychelles, Seychelles
Toronto, Canada
Sao Paulo, Brazil

Roha

March 5th, 2012, 07:22 PM

http://capitalethiopia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=627:ethiopian-to-deal-with-export-agencies-to-finance-a350-xwbs&catid=35:capital&Itemid=27

Ethiopian to deal with export agencies to finance A350 XWBs

By Kirubel Tadesse

Monday, 05 March 2012 09:40

Ethiopian Airlines will solicit deals with foreign export agencies to finance the purchase of twelve Airbus A350-XWBs aircraft.
Ethiopian signed a contract for the purchase of the twelve Airbus A350-XWBs aircraft in November 2009 and deliveries of the aircraft are expected to commence by 2017.
Wogayehu Terefe, Ethiopian Manager of Public Relations and Publications, says Ethiopian has already made an initial payment for the airplanes. “We paid the initial amount and we are planning to involve export agencies for the financing,” Wogayehu told Capital on Thursday.
Wogayehu says the A350 financing starts in 2015 and Ethiopian expects to receive the first aircraft by 2017.
The aircraft maker Airbus says the production of its latest creation A350 XWB is on track and will be delivered to Ethiopian on schedule by 2017. “At this time, Airbus has every reason to believe that it will deliver Ethiopian Airlines’ A350XWBs on schedule from 2017,” Linden Birns, Spokesman for Airbus, Sub-Sahara Africa, told Capital.
“The A350 XWB brings together the very latest in aerodynamics, design and advanced technologies to provide a 25 percent step-change in fuel efficiency compared with the Boeing 777, and six percent better compared with the 787,” said Alan Pardoe, Airbus Head of Marketing Communications, in February in Addis Ababa when he outlined the manufacture’s forecast for Africa.
Involving foreign export agencies to finance purchase of new planes has been employed by Ethiopian in recent deals with aircraft manufactures.
In August 2010 Ethiopian and the Export-Import Bank of the United States have signed an agreement worth over 1.6 billion dollars to support the financing of five Boeing 777-200LR and ten Boeing 787-8 aircraft and General Electric spare engines.
In March 2011 the African Development Bank approved a second corporate loan of 40 million dollars to Ethiopian as an additional funding for partial financing of the purchased five Boeing 777-200LR aircraft. Earlier the flag carrier secured funding from Citibank N.A., African Finance Corporation and Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank.
Ethiopian has received all the five triple sevens while it expects the first of the ten Dreamliners by June.
Though Ethiopian has long sustained strong ties with American financers as it mainly operated Boeing made planes, the arrival of A350 XWB, which will be the first Airbus made aircraft to be acquired by Ethiopian, is expected to attract European financers.
Ethiopian and the Agence Francaise de Developement (AFD) have already signed a loan agreement of 30 Million Euros aimed at financing the expansion and upgrading of the Ethiopian Airlines training academy.
The agreement covers a 15 year term loan, part of which is concessional, according to Ethiopian.
The AFD office has moved since 2007, from Djibouti to Addis to become a regional office for Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia and Eritrea.

lady gaga

March 15th, 2012, 11:33 PM

ET at Brussels international airport

http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u441/bjb020/DSC00310.jpg

abnet

April 1st, 2012, 07:39 PM

What can I say, I am good! :)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2120/5806944231_e1c158c864_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5279/5806944847_84013d098d_b.jpg
by simpilot459

More than one year to finish this plane ?or Boeing has something they don't want to tell us :bash:

abnet

April 1st, 2012, 08:54 PM

Source of my frustration!

Ethiopian to acquire 15 new aircraft Buys Q400 simulator .

Saturday, 31 March 2012 06:03 By KALEYESUS BEKELE

The Ethiopian Airlines is to acquire 15 new aircraft from Boeing and Bombardier this year.

In an exclusive interview with The Reporter, TewoldeGebremariam, Ethiopian CEO, said the airline would acquire four Boeing787 Dreamliner jetliners, four Boeing737-800, five BombardierQ400 and two Boeing777 freighters. Ethiopian placed ten firm orders for Dreamliner aircraft valued at 1.5 billion dollars in 2005. The aircraft were supposed to be delivered to Ethiopian in 2008-2010. However, for various reasons. Boeing has been compensating Ethiopian for the costs the airline incurred due to the delay in delivery. Now executives of Boeing say they would deliver the first two Dreamlinners in July or August. “They are saying they would delivery in July or August. They did not decide,” Tewolde said.

Despite the escalating fuel price that created a havoc in the global airline industry Ethiopian is still making a profit. “The fuel price hike is affecting our profitability. But still we are profitable. Of course, the profit will be less but we will make profit. We are acquiring all these new aircraft because we still have a storng financial status. If you do not have a strong financial position, financiers will not give you loans. Ethiopian still has a strong financial position. That is why it is able to acquire all these aircraft. Our financiers rely on us because they know that we have a strong financial status. They know that we are strong so they trust us,” Tewolde said.

Ethiopian has 48 aircraft comprising Boeing767, 757, 737, 747, MD11, and Q400. Ethiopian ordered 12Airbus A350.

In a related news Ethiopian has bought a Bombardier Q400 simulator at a cost of 15 million dollars from the Canadian aircraft manufacturer. Tewolde said Ethiopian made several agreements with Bombardier. “We agreed to be Bombardier parts distributor in Africa. We agreed to be a certified Bombardier MRO (maintenance repair and overhaul) center. There are Q400,300,200 and 100 aircraft. We will repair these aircraft. We will also train pilots on these aircraft,” Tewolde said.

The CEO denied the report that claims that his management was compelling its employees to contribute to the airline and work on day-offs as part of the management’s cost reduction strategy. “We did not force anyone. It is the employees by themselves who are working on their day-off without overtime payment. The pilots and the flight attendants contribute one dollar from their per diem. This has been done on their own initiative. We did not impose anything on them.
.

http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/News/ethiopian-to-acquire-15-new-aircraft-buys-q400-simulator.html

lady gaga

April 5th, 2012, 09:35 PM

A few pics of different ET planes at Khartoum international airport

Ethiopian Airlines Cargo coming from Addis Ababa and leaving to Liege

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/389446_212738642138187_100002061579191_459941_174096986_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/379441_212738755471509_100002061579191_459943_2078504379_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/373799_212738812138170_100002061579191_459944_1417962978_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/376403_212738535471531_100002061579191_459940_1443754059_n.jpg

Ethiopian Airlines DH8 from Bahar Dar

http://www.samchuiphotos.com/New/Khartoum/slides/DSC_7234.jpg

Ethiopian DHC-8-Q400 to bahar dar

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/294747_184521741626544_100002061579191_386342_234034405_n.jpg

ET B737-800 from Addis Ababa

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/295863_185211078224277_100002061579191_388692_766311630_n.jpg

Ethiopian Airlines B737-800 to Addis Ababa

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/6868861902_1c47f2db25_b.jpg

lady gaga

April 18th, 2012, 07:28 PM

Ethiopian Airlines Temporary Reducing Beijing Service till May 2012

Star Alliance member Ethiopian Airlines has temporary reduced Addis Ababa – Beijing service, where it currently operates 5 times a week, instead of daily. The reduction period is from 25MAR12 to 31MAY12.

Boeing 777-200LR aircraft operates this route with following schedule:

ET604 ADD0025 – 1530PEK 77L x36
ET605 PEK2330 – 0600+1ADD 77L x36

kgl

April 23rd, 2012, 04:45 PM

Ethiopian Airlines plans to start flights to Latin American Power house Sao Paulo, Brazil this summer.
Sao Paulo, one of the largest and richest cities in the world, with a population of about 20 million, is predicted to be the 6th biggest urban area by 2025. According to data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), its GDP in 2006 was about USD 2.83 billion. If Ethiopian Airlines opens a flight to Sao Paulo, it would be its first venture into Latin America and the airline’s fifth continent after Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

http://www.ethiosports.com/2012/04/23/ethiopian-airlines-to-fly-to-sao-paulo-by-summer/

Probably with its B77LR or maybe 787s. This an interesting gateway for TAM (via code share), which can use ADD as Star Alliance hub in Middle East and East Africa

Simfan34

April 24th, 2012, 04:12 AM

Wonderful, but two things:

-When will we get a direct flight to New York and
-Where is this 747? Apparently they have two cargo ones but I've never seen any pictures.

yosiast

April 25th, 2012, 08:55 AM

I doubt Ethiopian will again try to fly directly to New York. Remember, they did that briefly between 1995 to early 2000s...not sure why it was cancelled though.

Skyliner123

April 25th, 2012, 06:22 PM

Simfan 34,

This is what Ethiopian 747 looks like. For some reason, they never painted Ethiopian's colors on it.

http://www.auctiontransportation.com/sites/airlinephoto/images/0000232727_1.jpg

Simfan34

April 25th, 2012, 09:16 PM

Oh, I see. They should paint it!

abesha

April 26th, 2012, 05:42 PM

I doubt Ethiopian will again try to fly directly to New York. Remember, they did that briefly between 1995 to early 2000s...not sure why it was cancelled though.

If I'm not mistaken, it's because it used to have NYC only as a stopover. From NYC to DC, the flight was considered domestic, and I'm pretty sure that as a foreign carrier, they couldn't pick up passengers on the NYC-DC or DC-NYC routes. And few passengers stopped or boarded in NYC anyway.

Skyliner123

April 26th, 2012, 08:43 PM

Abesha,

It was not concidered domestic. It was actually a destination in its own right even if it was the same plane picking up passangers from both destinations (DC and NY). The flight was cancelled after 09/11 and has not yet resumed since then. My hunch tells me that it was probably not that profitable for Ethiopian Airlines at that tiem to fly to both cities thus it just used the excuse of 09/11 to cancel one of them.

abesha

April 26th, 2012, 10:53 PM

It operated after 9/11 - I've flown on it sometime in 2002 I think.

It was domestic because we were made to unboard in NYC, go through immigration and customs, then reboard the flight. In DC, we didn't have to do any of that - we just exited the plane, got our luggage and left. No immigration or customs officials.
Now that the NYC leg has been discontinued, we have to do the paperwork in DC.

abnet

April 27th, 2012, 08:37 PM

Ethiopian pilots complete training to fly the Dreamliner.

04/24/12

10:48:29 pm, by nazret.com,

Source: Ethiopian Airlines

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Ethiopian Airlines, the first African airline to operate the 787, has trained eight pilots on the 787 Dreamliner at the Boeing Flight Services campus located at Gatwick, London. Additional batches of trainees are conducting 787 training in the same facility.

Boeing has been granted approval by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide flight training for pilots preparing to operate the new Boeing 787. With 787 training, pilots can transition to the new airplane in five to 20 days, depending on previous pilot experience. Boeing 777 pilots can qualify to fly the 787 in as little as five days, given the high level of commonality between the two airplane types.
“This is an important milestone in the history of Ethiopian Airlines,” said Captain Desta Zeru, Senior Vice President of Flight Operations for Ethiopian Airlines. “Our pilots are now qualified as the first African pilots to fly the 787.

"We are proud to support Ethiopian Airlines as they grow their business with the 787 Dreamliner," said Roei Ganzarski, chief customer officer, Boeing Flight Services. "World class training for a world class airplane is part of the Boeing Edge we work hard to provide to our customers."
The Boeing 787 flight training program uses an innovative suite of training devices including a full-flight simulator, flight training device and desktop simulation station to ensure that pilots are ready to fly the Dreamliner.

About Ethiopian

Ethiopian Airlines, one of the largest and fastest growing airlines in Africa, made its maiden international flight to Cairo in 1946. With the latest addition of new services to Seychelles, Ethiopian provides dependable services to 65 international destinations spanning four continents.

Ethiopian is proud to be a Star Alliance Member. The Star Alliance network is the leading global airline network offering customers convenient worldwide reach and a smoother travel experience. The Star Alliance network offers more than 21,000 daily flights to 1,290 airports in 189 countries.

Ethiopian is a multi-award winner for its commitment and contributions towards the development and growth of the African aviation industry and in recognition of its distinguished long-haul operations enhanced by the introduction of new routes and products. Recently, Ethiopian won Gold in the African Airline of the Year 2011/2012 Awards organized by the African Aviation News Portal. Ethiopian also received the 2011 AFRAA award for being consistently profitable over the years and has won the "AFRICAN CARGO AIRLINE OF THE YEAR 2011 Award” for its excellence in air cargo. Ethiopian also won the NEPAD Transport Infrastructure Excellence Awards 2009 and "the Airline of the Year 2009 Award" from the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).

With its acquisition of and firm orders for several new modern fleet, the airline is well positioned to pursue aggressively the implementation of its 2025 strategic plan to become the leading aviation group in Africa.

http://nazret.com/blog/index.php/2012/04/24/ethiopian-pilots-complete-training-for-787-dreamliner

yosef

April 27th, 2012, 08:53 PM

^^nice :cheers: ,related story

Ethiopian Airlines CEO visits the soon to be delivered 787

http://www.addisfortune.net/Vol_12_No_625_Images/et_signed_sealed.jpg

It is with great excitement and expectation that Tewolde Gebremariam, chief executive officer (CEO) of Ethiopian, the national flag carrier, visited the manufacturing hub of Boeing 787 Dreamliner, based in Seattle, US. Proud to lead the airline that will see the first delivery of the Dreamliner in Africa, later this year, Tewolde is seen in the picture communicating with officials of Boeing intimately. His visit was meant to assure that the delivery of the airplanes is on track as expected. All of Ethiopia will be proud to receive this game-changing airplane, Tewolde was quoted saying in a press release by Ethiopian. The airline was the first African airlines to order 10 787 Dreamliners in 2005. If it receives its first delivery on time, it will also be the first to operate the ultramodern airplane in Africa.

Fortune (http://www.addisfortune.net/news_radar.htm)

yosef

April 27th, 2012, 08:55 PM

Ethiopian Airlines anticipates to establish new airline in central Africa

The management of Ethiopian Airlines, the leading African carrier, is contemplating to establish a new African carrier in central Africa. A senior executive of the airline told The Reporter that the management was considering to create a new carrier in Central Africa. The executive said the plan is to create a new African airline that would serve south and central Africa. “The airline anticipates to attract potential investors who would invest in the planned airline. South Africa Airways and Egypt Air are considered as potential investors,” the official said. “The detail work plans have yet to be developed.”

Ethiopian holds a 40 percent stake in ASKY, the multinational airline based in Lome, Togo. ASKY, which became operational in 2009, is operated by Ethiopian via a five-year management contract. According to the board of directors of the company, the airline that primarily serves west Africa has become successful. The ASKY network currently covers 19 destinations in 17 countries in West and Central Africa.

read the rest @ Reporter (http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/News/ethiopian-anticipates-to-establish-new-airline-in-central-africa.html)

Yoniii

April 27th, 2012, 09:00 PM

Amazing news, I love the aggressive expansion.

abnet

April 28th, 2012, 11:28 PM

Thanx Yosef :cheers:
Ethiopian Airlines acquire the second B737-800NG

Saturday, 28 April 2012 06:22 By KALEYESUS BEKELE

- To train 160 pilots on Dreamliner aircraft

Ethiopian Airlines yesterday announced that is had received the second next-generation Boeing 737-800 Sky Interior Aircraft. The airline placed a firm order for 10 of its kind back in December 2009. “As a customer focused airline, we are largely investing on the modernization of our fleet. The new 737-800 Sky Interior aircraft is built with 21st century technology to provide our customers with comfort and style to make air travel an unforgettable experience” said Mr. Tewolde Gebre-Mariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines.

The new Sky Interior 737-800NG offers several unique features including larger overhead bins. The innovative design allows the bins to hold 48 more bags than the standard overhead bins. Sculpted sidewalls, it provides customers with a feeling of spaciousness while the updated window makes the windows appear larger.

In addition, brighter and longer-lasting LED lighting systems are installed in the aircraft. These are programmed to create the desired effects during flight times, such as a soft blue sky overhead. The cove lighting provides a welcoming feel for customers as they board the aircraft. Intuitive placement of switches and call buttons and speakers above every row of seats to improve sound quality are additional features that enhance the customer’s experience.

The new 737-800 Sky Interior will initially be deployed on Ethiopian flights to the East African tourist destinations such as Mombasa, Nairobi, Dar-Es-Salam as well as Seychelles during day time and to Dubai, Kuwait, Delhi and Bombay at night.

Ethiopian Airlines is the first carrier in Africa to purchase state-of-the art Boeing 777-200LR with five of its kind in the fleet. The Airline will also receive Africa’s first 787 Dreamliner in summer 2012. Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the most technologically advanced airplane with less fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to other similar sized airplanes.

Ethiopian Airlines, the first African airline to operate the 787, has trained eight pilots on the 787 Dreamliner at the Boeing Flight Services campus located at Gatwick, London. Additional batches of trainees are conducting 787 training in the same facility. Ethiopian will train a total of 160 pilots on the Dreamliner out of which 80 are captains and 80 are first officers.

Boeing has been granted approval by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide flight training for pilots preparing to operate the new Boeing 787. With 787 training, pilots can transition to the new airplane in five to 20 days, depending on previous pilot experience. Boeing 777 pilots can qualify to fly the 787 in as little as five days, given the high level of commonality between the two airplane types.

“This is an important milestone in the history of Ethiopian Airlines,” said Captain Desta Zeru, senior vice president of Flight Operations for Ethiopian Airlines. “Our pilots are now qualified as the first African pilots to fly the 787.

"We are proud to support Ethiopian Airlines as they grow their business with the 787 Dreamliner," said Roei Ganzarski, chief customer officer, Boeing Flight Services. "World class training for a world class airplane is part of the Boeing Edge we work hard to provide to our customers."

The Boeing 787 flight training program uses an innovative suite of training devices including a full-flight simulator, flight training device and desktop simulation station to ensure that pilots are ready to fly the Dreamliner.

http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/News/ethiopian-acquires-second-b737-800-sky-interior.html

Skyliner123

May 3rd, 2012, 08:24 AM

http://img.planespotters.net/photo/242000/original/ET-ALO-Ethiopian-Airlines-Boeing-767-300_PlanespottersNet_242763.jpg

DZman

May 4th, 2012, 03:26 AM

this is the new plane the Ethiopian Air lines ordered

http://i.imgur.com/bbg8Y.jpg

J/k :lol:

qweads

May 15th, 2012, 03:11 PM

South African News

Ethiopian Airlines ignores turbulence to focus on growth

With no hope of a bail-out if it fails, it is capitalising on its position as a hub for fast-growing markets, writes Nicky Smith

NICKY SMITH
Published: 2012/05/15 07:21:27 AM

IGNORING the furious winds buffeting the global aviation industry, 66-year-old Ethiopian Airlines is investing more than $2,6bn to ensure it capitalises on its location and the ever-increasing interest in Africa from emerging-market giants such as China, India and Brazil.

Ethiopian will be the first African carrier to bring the new-generation Boeing 787 Dreamliner into service in August.

The Dreamliner will be used on the Addis Ababa-Johannesburg route daily, while at night it will travel between Addis and Guangzhou, China’s third-largest city, CEO Tewolde Gebremariam said in an interview in Debre-Zeit, Ethiopia, last week.

Ethiopian’s circumstances could not be more different from those of South African Airways (SAA), which is expected to report a net loss for the financial year to March 31.

SAA, which falls under the Department of Public Enterprises, reported a shaky profit of R782m for the 2011 financial year. A close look at the year-on-year comparison of its income statement shows this is largely due to currency conversion gains. In February, SAA chairwoman Cheryl Carolus told Parliament the airline would need an injection from the government of as much as R6bn.

Ms Carolus argued the money was not another bail-out, which has become a recurring theme at the carrier. The request for between R4bn and R6bn is the latest in a string of handouts for which the airline has approached the state. In 2009 it received an injection of R1,6bn after asking for R5,2bn from the Treasury.

Two years before that, SAA received R1,3bn. SAA famously lost R6bn on fuel hedges in 2003. The government was later required to provide it with R7bn in guarantees and its former parent company, Transnet, gave it a cash injection of R6,1bn to keep the airline solvent.

The department has argued SAA has never been adequately capitalised to the extent that it is able to compete commercially.

While Ethiopian has an advantage over SAA because of its position on the Horn of Africa, it faces the same problems of high oil prices, the continued dominance of Gulf carriers such as Emirates and Etihad, and depressed economic conditions.

SA is a long-haul destination, which counts against it due to the amount of fuel it must burn.

Ethiopian, by contrast, is building on its location, where traffic between Asia, Africa and Brazil intersects. New destinations are being introduced to maximise the benefit of the hub service it operates out of Addis Ababa. It will start its service to São Paulo in December.

"If you draw a line between India, Brazil and Africa, we are in the middle. We have to take advantage of that and grow our market in order to survive," Mr Gebremariam said.

The government has been clear that the airline will not get any government money and has to run as a commercial concern. To meet its vision of "fast, profitable and sustainable growth", Mr Gebremariam said Ethiopian had a "heavy order book".

Over the next three to five years it plans to take delivery of 10 Dreamliners, with the first set for August and four more next year. The "ticket price" of each Dreamliner is $100m. Funding is coming from internal sources and "partly from the banks", Mr Gebremariam said.

The International Air Transport Association, which represents the bulk of the world’s airline industry, forecast in March that African airlines would post a cumulative $100m loss this year. Globally, the industry is expected to have a net profit margin of 0,6% as a result of the higher fuel prices and depressed demand.

Ethiopian is also buying six Boeing 777 freight carriers, 10 737-800s, five Bombardier Q400s and has 12 Airbus A350 wide-body, long-range carriers on order. Delivery of these will start in 2017.

"We have to run like a private enterprise. Our growth must be fast to capture the opportunity of the new markets, but it must also be profitable and sustainable so that we can pay the banks," Mr Gebremariam said.