Ethiopian Airlines, the largest and most profitable airline in Africa, is pleased to announce that it was named the African Airline of the Year by the African Airlines Association at its 46th Annual General Assembly held in Algiers between 9 and 11 November 2014.
Ethiopian was crowned Airline of the Year for its exceptional results in 2013, consistent profitability, and sound strategy, which has enabled it to forge win-win partnerships with fellow sisterly African airlines. This is the third year in a raw that Ethiopian has continued to receive the award from AFRAA.
Upon receiving the award, Ethiopian Group CEO Tewolde Gebremariam remarked: We are highly honored for this recognition by fellow sisterly airlines in Africa. The award goes, first and foremost, to the more than 8,000 employees at Ethiopian, who work very hard every day to provide the best services on the ground and in the air to our valued customers. We also thank our customers for giving us the opportunity to serve them and for travelling on Ethiopian in great numbers. It is also a testimony of the soundness of our Vision 2025 fast, profitable and sustainable growth strategy.
Although Africa is registering rapid economic and travel growth, this growth is primarily benefiting non-African carriers. The times are really challenging for African airlines, whose very survival is at risk, unless two things happen very quickly.
Firstly, African carriers must look inwards in the continent to leverage on the available internal resources to create synergy through collaborative partnership among themselves. Today, Africa has world class Aviation Training Centers, MRO facilities and management expertise. I am convinced that there are ample opportunities for deepened commercial, technical and other types of partnerships among African carriers.
Secondly, Africa must become one single unified market without any restriction for African airlines. The continued fragmentation of our skies is only benefiting foreign carriers and will lead to our certain demise. African governments must act now and fast to unify African skies, which would also give great impetus to the continent’s economic integration.
Ethiopian is a global Pan-African carrier currently serving 84 international destinations across 5 continents with over 200 daily flights using the latest technology aircraft such as the B777s and B787s. In August 2014, it was also a recipient of the Passenger Choice awards as the Best Airline in Africa in the most extensive survey of passengers in the industry.
(Ethiopian Press Release)
