Friday, June 6, 2025
Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways have officially launched a strategic partnership aimed at revolutionizing global connectivity and driving economic growth. This landmark collaboration between the national carriers of Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates is set to enhance travel opportunities between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The partnership is designed to provide passengers with greater access to an expanded network of destinations, improve travel convenience, and foster stronger economic ties between the two regions. By leveraging their combined networks and resources, both airlines are committed to offering seamless travel experiences and boosting the flow of tourism and business across these interconnected continents.
In a historic move set to reshape air travel connectivity, the national airlines of the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia have launched a strategic Joint Venture (JV) that promises to enhance travel between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The partnership, formally announced today at Ethiopian Airlines’ headquarters in Addis Ababa, includes a comprehensive codeshare agreement aimed at offering passengers a wider range of travel options across both airlines’ global networks.
This landmark collaboration will usher in new flight routes linking Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa, reinforcing the longstanding ties between the UAE and Ethiopia. Ethiopian Airlines is scheduled to commence flights from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) to Zayed International Airport (AUH) starting on July 15, 2025. Etihad Airways, in turn, will introduce daily flights to Addis Ababa beginning October 1, 2025, further enhancing connectivity between the two regions.
The JV is also expected to unlock new opportunities for both airlines to develop and expand routes between the UAE and Ethiopia, subject to regulatory approval. Through this partnership, Etihad Airways and Ethiopian Airlines aim to provide passengers with seamless access to a broader range of destinations across their respective networks, which include major cities in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Mesfin Tasew, the Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, expressed his excitement over the collaboration, stating, “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our mission to improve connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. By leveraging the strengths of both airlines, we aim to provide travelers with greater convenience, better service, and enhanced travel options. This collaboration also underscores our shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between Ethiopia and the UAE, and supporting economic growth in both regions.”
As part of Ethiopian Airlines’ strategy to extend its global reach, the launch of the new route to Abu Dhabi will be the airline’s third destination in the UAE, joining existing services to Dubai and Sharjah (for cargo). The airline already operates over 120 weekly flights to the Middle East and Gulf regions, offering passengers reliable and efficient connectivity to some of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.
The joint venture also promises to significantly enhance travel opportunities between Africa and key destinations in Asia and the UAE. Ethiopian Airlines’ existing network connects major African cities such as Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Kampala (Uganda), Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo), and Lusaka (Zambia) to cities across the UAE and beyond. In addition to the already popular routes, the partnership opens the door to new connections to destinations in Southeast Asia, such as Colombo (Sri Lanka), Islamabad (Pakistan), and even new routes like Phnom Penh (Cambodia) and Krabi (Thailand).
Ethiopian Airlines will operate these new routes with its modern and efficient fleet, including the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350-1000, providing passengers with a superior travel experience. The airline’s fleet is known for its comfort and reliability, and the inclusion of these long-haul aircraft ensures that passengers will enjoy a premium flying experience on all new routes.
The Ethiopian Airlines- Etihad Airways JV is expected to not only benefit passengers with expanded travel options but also provide a boost to tourism and trade between Ethiopia and the UAE. Ethiopia, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and rapidly growing economy, stands to gain from increased international connectivity. Likewise, the UAE, a key global business and travel hub, will further solidify its position as a central point for travel between the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
The expansion of Ethiopian Airlines’ network through this JV will also open up new markets for businesses and tourists. As both airlines continue to collaborate on expanding routes, passengers will experience a more integrated and convenient travel system, allowing for smoother transitions between destinations.
Ethiopian Airlines’ network, known for its robust connectivity from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, continues to offer smooth connections to various international and domestic destinations. The integration of Etihad Airways’ extensive network with Ethiopian Airlines is set to offer an even more efficient travel experience for passengers, making it easier for them to reach their desired destinations with fewer hassles.
The partnership highlights the potential for international airlines to collaborate in creating better opportunities for global travelers. By combining resources and sharing networks, Etihad Airways and Ethiopian Airlines are setting a new standard for joint ventures in the aviation industry. Through their strategic partnership, they aim to deliver exceptional service to passengers while furthering economic and cultural exchange between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways have forged a powerful strategic partnership to enhance global connectivity and stimulate economic growth. This collaboration will offer passengers expanded travel opportunities, seamless connections, and strengthen ties between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
In conclusion, this new venture between Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways offers a promising future for air travel connectivity. With the introduction of new routes, expanded network options, and a commitment to providing outstanding service, the JV marks a new chapter in the future of global travel, strengthening ties and creating more seamless travel opportunities for passengers around the world.
