Ethiopian Airlines, the host of the upcoming 11th African Airlines Association (AFRAA) convention, remains committed to developing intra-Africa connectivity through partnerships with airlines from different regions.

Ethiopian Airlines (ET) is a member of AFRAA, which allows it to play an active role in developing African aviation. The airlines' association will host its 11th stakeholder's convention from the 7th to the 9th of May in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Changing the African aviation narrative

AFRAA has been discussing the challenges faced by African airlines and has decided to implement measures to develop the African market. In an interview with Jon Howell, CEO of AviaDev, AFRAA Secretary General Mr Abderahmane Berthe, and Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Ato Mesfin Tasew Bekele gave an insight into the agenda of the convention.

The convention will bring together various aviation industry stakeholders to address the development of air transport, sustainability, digitalization, cybersecurity, and the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). The hosts aim to change the narrative and unlock the potential of African aviation. Mr Abderahmane said in the interview;

"At AFRAA, we think now it's time to implement things to move for our industry. We have five tasks working on a specific subject because we want to really change the narrative of the African aviation industry, the narrative being the market share is very low, taxes and charges are very high, and ticket fares are not affordable."

African airlines intend to keep up with global standards while focussing on air safety and customer satisfaction. The convention will engage airline CEOs, ACI Africa, the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA), the International Air Cargo Association (IACA), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), to mention a few.

Additionally, Ethiopian Airlines intends to leverage its partnerships to continue connecting Africa to the rest of the world. The airline cannot serve every African city, so it has engaged with various flag carriers to enhance connectivity.

Partnership with Nigeria Air

Ethiopian has been working with the government of Nigeria for nearly five years to establish a flag carrier for the West African nation. The two have agreed on almost all terms and have made significant progress in setting up the new national airline. However, they are facing a challenge.

Nigeria air
Photo: Nigeria Air

A court case is delaying the introduction of Nigeria Air into commercial service. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) disputed the government's decision to give ET a 49% stake in the new airline. Ato Mesfin Tasew Bekele hopes the court case will be over soon. He said in the interview with AviaDev;

"We have also reached an agreement with the Nigerian government on nearly all terms. So now we're ready to start the airline, except there is one obstacle. That obstacle is a court case. A group of smaller Nigerian airlines went to court and blocked or brought a temporary order to suspend the establishment of the airline. And we expect the court case will be closed in the coming few weeks in favor of establishing the airline."

Ethiopian Airlines intends to enable Nigeria to have a reliable national carrier. ET offers excellent connectivity to the Nigerian market, serving four cities, but there isn't a connection between Nigeria and Europe. Ato Mesfin Tasew says the new flag carrier will link the two regions.

Partnerships in West and Central Africa

Ethiopian Airlines has strong partnerships strategically located in Western, Central, and Southern Africa to gain better access to local markets. It has a partnership with Togo's Asky Airlines. The airline serves more than 25 destinations in Western and Central Africa.

Asky Airlines in Younde Cameroon
Photo: The Taxi Photographer / Shutterstock

Ethiopian has also partnered with Malawi Airlines to serve Southern and Eastern Africa. It uses the ET flight code and currently serves seven regional destinations. The Malawian government has a 51% stake in the airline, while Ethiopian owns 49%. Ato Mesfin Tasew added that;

"Our multi-hub strategy will enable us to reach more Africans and provide a more convenient, affordable air transport service among Africans and connecting Africa to the rest of the world."

Ethiopian Airlines plans to expand its service to Central Africa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The group CEO said,

"We have already finalized the contract with the government; it will be a joint venture between Ethiopian Airlines and the government of DRC. We are waiting for a final go-ahead from the government. But all the paperwork has been finalized. In fact, it is ahead of the Nigerian initiative. We're just waiting for the government to press the button."

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Source: AviaDev Insight