Ethiopian Airlines

  About Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines, which was formerly known as Ethiopian Air Lines (EAL) is also referred to as Ethiopian. The airline is the country Ethiopia's flag carrier and is completely owned by the government. Ethiopian Airlines was founded in 1945 while the flight operations commenced later in 1946. The airlines finally expanded its international flights operations in 1951. originally started as a government venture, the firm was converted to share company in 1965, when the name changed from Ethiopian Air Lines to Ethiopian Airlines. Since 1959, the airline has become a member of the International Air Transport Association. It also became part of the African Airlines Association from 1968. The airline is also part of the Star Alliance carrier, which happened in 2011. Ethiopian Airlines' hub is in Addis Ababa with its headquarters at Bole International Airport, also located in the city. The airline offers a network of 125 passenger destination, with 20 of them in domestic and 44 international destinations. Along with Addis Ababa, the airline's secondary hubs are in Togo and Mawali.

The management of Ethiopian Airlines is working towards extending its head office from Addis Ababa to a newer facility. With a view to involving more firms in designing and constructing a better building, a contest was also held in 2009. However, the plans failed to launch and led to the second round of the contest, which took place in 2011. Eventually, BET Architect PIc won the contest and contract to construct the new headquarters. An estimated Br300 million worth complex is slated to be constructed on 540,000 sq ft plot at the Bole International Airport. The project hasn't taken off due to the legal suit that the company in the fourth place has stated. The company has accused the airlines of not providing due consideration to the design proposed by them. The airline is recognised worldwide as the 4th largest with respect to connecting to a slew of countries.

As of 2017, Ethiopian Airlines has Tewolde Gebremariam as the new CEO, who replaced Girma Wake in 2011. The Government of Ethiopia has shown no involvement in the airline's functioning, including in times of significant turmoil as well as some domestic hardships. The main aim of the government of Ethiopia is to enhance the efficiency of the airline with respect to customer service and enable it to match up to global standards. The airline has been recognised tremendously for its expansion and excellence. In fact, Ethiopian Airlines was also featured on The Economist in late 1987 when economist Paul B. Henze called it as one of the most reliable and profitable aviation ventures in the Third World countries. It continues to wear the crown of most profitable ventures that have been praised by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).

The fleet size of Ethiopian Airlines

As of 2020, the fleet size of Ethiopian Airlines is 125 with 14 Airbus A350-900 and 18 Boeing 737-800. In 2005, the airlines signed the agreement to purchase about ten Boeing 787 Dreamliners. With this move, it became the first African carrier to have so many 787s in their fleet. The carrier became the first African airline to order and operate the massive Boeing 777-200LR and took possession of the same in 2010. For its long-range passenger services, the airlines have 14 Airbus A350-900XWB, 19 Boeing B787-8, six Boeing B787-9, four Boeing B777-300ER, six Boeing B777-200LR and six Boeing B767-300ER. With respect to medium-range passenger services, the operating fleet includes 18 Boeing B737-800, four Boeing B737 MAX (Grounded) and ten Boeing B737-700NG. For regional passenger services, it has 27 Q400 Bombardier and for Cargo and non-scheduled services include 10 Boeing B777-200LRF and two Boeing B737-800F.

In 2016, Ethiopian Airlines acquired its first Airbus A350 XWB. Later in 2017, the airline also announced to add ten Airbus A350-900s and also committed to purchasing two Boeing 777 aircraft. In the same year, the airline received its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, becoming the first airline in Africa to operate the said type of aircraft. In 2018, Ethiopian Airlines also signed an agreement to lease two Boeing 737-800SF freighters. The airline further repeated their order for a Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft. Additionally, the airlines also ordered ten Q400s in a deal that is worth about USD332 million. In the same year, after the addition of a Boeing 787-9, Ethiopian Airlines created history by crossing the 100th aircraft mark. It became the first airline in Africa to manage and operate over 100 flights as part of the fleet expansion.

Baggage Allowance

Ethiopian Airlines' baggage allowance differs from the cabin that you fly in. With respect to business class, the airlines allow two pieces of baggage, each weighing about 7 kgs and not more. If you do have extra baggage that exceeds the said weight, you will need to pay some fee for it. With respect to economy class, the passenger is allowed to carry one piece of the bag with a weight of 7 kgs, free of cost. The passenger is also allowed to carry a smaller bag that fits the placement in the overhead rack as well as the space under the seat. The dimensions for the same should not exceed 23 x 40 x 55 cm. Along with the stated baggage, the passengers are also allowed to carry specific carryon luggage that should not exceed 5 kg. These items could include a lady handbag with contents such as a purse, pocket book, travelling dress, etc. A laptop is also allowed as is an overcoat, a blanket, a small camera, a decent amount of reading material, duty-free items, food consumption items for infants, a pair of binoculars and more. Additionally, wheelchairs and crutches are also allowed within the aircraft cabin for individuals suffering from mobility issues.

In terms of check-in baggage, the restricted weight per single luggage comes to 32 kg for business class and 23 kg for economy class. This is applicable to all the flights that are Atlantic-bound. Beyond the said weight will not be accepted at the check-in counter. There are some alterations with respect to flying to North America and Canada. It is recommended that the passenger goes through the official website of the Ethiopian Airlines to know more about the baggage allowance and restrictions.

In-flight services

Ethiopian Airlines supports two-class, Cloud Nine and Economy Class.

Cloud 9 (Business class) - The business class comes with a slew of in-flight services in Ethiopian Airlines as well as some amazing perks. The cabin has additional baggage allowance along with access to the C9 lounge. In fact, passengers flying business class on Ethiopian Airlines also have priority boarding facilities. For short-haul flights, the in-flight services include an array of international cuisine with a cocktail or wine as complimentary. The passengers also get to taste the traditional Ethiopian coffee. Long-haul business class passengers get to experience exquisite hospitality with a welcome drink and elaborate in-flight services. The recliner chairs are comfortable, the leg room is spacious, and the cabin crew is always at your service. Personal entertainment decks are also available for the passengers.

Economy class - The economy class has stricter rules in terms of in-flight services in Ethiopian Airlines. The hospitality remains topnotch while the services include personal entertainment decks attached to every passenger's seat. This is accompanied by a spread of lovely meals prepared by high-quality chefs, comfortable chairs and a wide selection of wine and other alcoholic beverages.

Popular routes and top cities for Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines has the best connectivity with domestic routes within the African continent. However, over the years, the airlines have expanded their horizons to accommodate flights to connect to a slew of international destinations. The most popular routes for Ethiopian Airlines include Washington, Nairobi, Frankfurt, Dubai and Asmara. Simultaneously, the passenger traffic received by the airlines to reach destinations, namely, London, Jeddah, Chicago, Beirut and Johannesburg, is also quite high. These easily become the top cities to travel for Ethiopian Airlines.

Why travel by Ethiopian Airlines?

Ethiopian Airlines has found a reputation to be one of the fast-growing airlines in the global aviation industry. The airlines have consistently been acquiring many large aircraft and accommodated the same in its hub airport in Addis Ababa. With the range of domestic routes and international routes offered by Ethiopian Airlines, the connectivity is excellent. Not to mention how booking Ethiopian Airlines flights are also quite easy and convenient. You can check for the flight schedule on their website as well as download the app on the phone to know more about the flight status and more. You can further do your web check-in on Ethiopian Airlines' website or app to make travelling easier. The flight tickets offered by the airlines are also quite cheap and affordable, giving it more reason to be picked over its contemporaries. It can be found on all travel portals and platforms. Not to mention how it is the most ideal airline to pick when travelling to European countries or around Africa.