Ethiopian Airlines - Star Alliance

As flag carrier of Ethiopia, Ethiopian Airlines has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in Africa for efficiency and operational success, turning profits for most years of its existence.

Ethiopian Airlines was established on December 21, 1945. As one of the pioneer African Airlines, Ethiopian has come a long way since its humble beginning, with DC-3/C-47 aircraft. Operating at the forefront of technology, it has now become one of Ethiopia’s major industries and a veritable institution in Africa, operating a modern and environmental friendly fleet. It commands a lion’s share of the pan African network including the only daily east-west flight across the continent. The airline is currently implementing its 15-year strategic plan called ‘Vision 2025” with the goal of becoming the most competitive and leading aviation group in Africa.

During the period 2010-11 Ethiopian carried 3.7 million passengers, successfully competing with other airlines with respect to modern equipment, convenience of connections, and quality of service. Its green, yellow and red emblem is recognised almost everywhere as the symbol of the Ethiopian flag carrier. Ethiopian is proud to be a Star Alliance Member since December 2011.

Network coverage and Fleet modernization

At present, aircraft with the Ethiopian flag fly to Europe, North America, Africa, Middle East and Asia. The combination of a modern fleet and a developed network of connections to major cities across the globe are strong assets of Ethiopian. Ethiopian’s current destinations network reaches 63 cities in four continents and 17 within Ethiopia. In 2012 Ethiopian will start flying the latest generation of passenger aircraft – the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. With the introduction of the 787, Ethiopian customers will enjoy an innovative new interior environment, wider seats and aisles, larger windows and greatly improved overall flying experience.

In addition to the 10 Boeing 787s on order, Ethiopian will complement the future fleet with 12 Airbus A350-900s and 10 Boeing 737-800s.

Awards

Ethiopian has earned various industry awards in recognition to its contribution to African aviation and its outstanding services. Some of the recent examples are:

“Airline Reliability Performance Award” from Bombardier in 2011.
“Deal of the Year 2010 Award” awarded by Air Finance Journal in 2011.
“The African Cargo Airline of the Year Award” by STAT times in 2011.
“The NEPAD Transport Infrastructure Excellence Awards 2009” by NEPAD
“Airlines of the year 2009” Award, organised by the London-based African Business Journal.

Facts about my city	Where I take my Clients	Where I relax
How to get around	Things you should know	Things you must do
Why I fly Ethiopian Airlines

Facts about my city

1. Addis Ababa is Amharic for 'New Flower'

2. Over 3000m above sea level
At this altitude, it is the 3rd highest capital city on earth.

3. There is a huge day to night range of temperature
It is often 27°C (81°F) at lunchtime and 3°C (37°F) at night.

4. Africa’s hub for international diplomacy
There are more than 120 international missions and embassies in the city.

5. Addis Ababa’s population
The number of people living in the city is over 3 million.

Where I take clients

1. Mount Entoto

My training area is 3,200 metres above sea level and is a great place to bring visitors for the view.

2. Yod Alayssina or 2000 Habesha
These are typical Ethiopian restaurants where you can try traditional food and watch traditional dancing.

Where I relax

I like to go to the cinema to watch a local movie - maybe a comedy or a drama or sci-fi.

How to get around

If you are travelling from the airport, use a yellow taxi. Or a blue and white one for around the city.

Things you should know

1. You may suffer from altitude sickness

Addis Ababa lies over 3000m above sea level, so you may suffer from shortness of breath or altitude sickness. And alcohol may affect you more than usual.

2. The evenings get cold
Always wear a second layer.

3. Very few streets have names
And when they do, they may not be named correctly on a map so use landmarks to navigate your way around the city.

4. Mind your pockets
Walking in Addis Ababa is safe but be careful of pickpockets.

5. We lean in and touch shoulders
When doing business, we lean in and touch shoulders when we shake hands.

Things you must do

1. Visit the Merkato

It’s the no.1 market in Africa and sells absolutely everything. You will meet people from all over the world there.

2. Ethiopian National Museum
Go to the Ethiopian National Museum to see the skeleton of Lucy, an early hominid.

3. St George’s Cathedral and St Mary’s Church
Visit these two places of worship.

4. Buy a coffee from TO.MO.CA.
Ethiopian coffee is no.1 in the world and there are many different blends to try.

5. Eat Doro Watway
This is chicken in a spicy red pepper paste. It’s the closest there is to a national dish. To eat it the Ethiopian way, fold pieces of injera (spongy flat bread) around the stew.

6. Drink Tej
This is Ethiopian honey wine. But be careful – it is strong!

7. Axum or Lalibela
Travel out of Addis Ababa to either of these places to visit the monolithic churches. They are made from a single block of stone and are hewn into the ground or the side of a mountain.

8. Visit a tribe
Go anywhere in the south of Ethiopia to visit different tribes. It’s like going back a thousand years from Addis Ababa.

Why I fly Ethiopian Airlines

Whenever I can, I always try to put my money back into my country. Because Ethiopian Airlines is my local airline, I fly with them. They combine all the best ingredients for a successful business; the hospitality is excellent, the staff are very friendly and the flights are always on time. Since I was a young man, I have always chosen Ethiopian Airlines and I always will.

Number of aircraft	47
Number of employees	6,173
Passengers per year	3.7 million
Sales Revenue (in US$)	1.5 billion
Number of scheduled destinations	77
Daily departures	144
Date of entry	December, 2011
Frequent flyer programme	Sheba Miles
Hubs	Addis Ababa
Aircraft types	Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 767-300ER, Boeing 757-200, Boeing 757-260F, Boeing 747F, MD-11F, Boeing 737-700NG, B737-800W, Q400

My Addis Ababa	Facts about my city	Where I take my Clients
Where I relax	How to get around	Things you should know
Things you must do	Why I fly Ethiopian Airlines