L-R: Lensa Bekele Edossa, Perm. Sec Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Capt. Mikel, Mrs. Firiehiwot Mekonnen, Ms. Tano Onoworemu and Gelane Bedass Shifera
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s leading carrier and one of the fastest-growing global airline brands, successfully commenced its second daily flight from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, with 147 passengers, offering more options to the travelling public.
The aircraft will be departing with 147 passengers in Economy and 8 in Business Class.
This is just the Nigerian Government has pledged to support the airline in ensuring that it gets a seamless operations into the country.
The aircraft arrived the Lagos airport about 7:30pm amidst fanfare, was welcomed with a water cannon salute provided by the men of the fire service of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other stakeholders and travel agents in the industry.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, commended the airlines for standing by the country during the COVID-19 era, stating that it brought goods and equipment into our country, when flights where halted globally due to the pandemic.
He said, the goal of the federal government is to make the Murtala Muahmmed International Airport, Lagos an aviation hub, noting that it will do everything possible to encourage more airlines to fly into the country.
He said: “On behalf of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, I want to express the profound appreciation and joy of the ministry and indeed the people of Nigeria that Ethiopian Airlines has done it again. When the airline approached us in the ministry requesting for an increase in frequency to Lagos, we did not hesitate. And we will never hesitate. We did not hesitate because Ethiopian Airlines is our airline.
“And Ethiopian Airlines can fly as many flights as possible into and out of Lagos. Our dream is to make Lagos to continually be the capital of Africa in terms of business and commerce. And that we can achieve through aviation and aerospace activities.
“No doubt, Ethiopian Airlines has trailed the blaze once again, moving people and goods all across Africa. We appreciate Ethiopian Airlines, particularly during the COVID era, where flights are not flying into Nigeria. They brought goods and equipment into our country.
“We thank you very much Ethiopian Airlines. The Ministry of Aviation will continue to give you all the support that you desire and request from us. And we will continue to give you all the support that Ethiopian Airlines requires. Similarly, all other airlines that want to fly into Nigeria, you are welcome. Ethiopian Airlines is challenging you. The Ministry of Aviation of Nigeria is challenging you.
“Lagos is welcoming each and everyone. We have Abuja Airport, we have Enugu Airport, Port Harcourt Airport, and indeed, Kano Airport. These airports are wide open for all international airlines to fly in and out of Nigeria.”
Earlier in her speech, the General Manager, Ethiopian Airlines, Lagos, Mrs.Firiehiwot Mekonnen thanked the Nigerian Government and the travelling public for their continued support for the airline, stating the aircraft which arrived the country will be departing with 147 passengers in Economy and 8 in Business Class.
She said Ethiopian Airlines has been serving Nigeria since independence in 1960, which will marks an uninterrupted and committed operation to Nigeria for 65 years in November 2025.
Mekonnen stated that with this flight, Ethiopian Airlines is further dedicating itself to serving Nigerians with more flexibility and affordable flight options
She pointed out that this additional flight brings Ethiopian Airlines frequency in Nigeria to 31 weekly flights from all stations, Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Enugu and 14 weekly flights to/from Lagos with early morning, mid-day and evening departures which makes Ethiopian airlines the most preferred by passengers for its flexible and convenient options.
Her words: “As we welcome the Second Daily flight of Ethiopian Airlines to Lagos, it is necessary that I share briefly our Common History. By the way, this flight will be departing with a full load of 147 passengers in Economy and 8 in Business Class. The arriving flight from Addis Ababa came with 114 passengers in Economy and 1 passenger in Business Class. The full load shows Nigerians’ love and support for Ethiopian Airlines.
“Ethiopian Airlines has been serving Nigeria since independence in 1960, which will mark our uninterrupted and committed operation to Nigeria 65 years in November 2025, and there will be a big celebration to mark this. We have always been here through thick and thin, through good and bad. Even when other airlines stayed away, we sacrificed to stand side by side with Nigeria, which happened, for example, when Abuja Airport was closed for repairs and it was only Ethiopian Airlines that flew to Kaduna Airport.
“Ethiopian Airlines is the first African airline to introduce the first B787 Dreamliner to Africa, the first to fly A350 in Africa and recently the first A350-1000 in Africa specifically to Nigeria as part of our commitment to always give Nigeria the best. With this flight, Ethiopian Airlines is further dedicating itself to serving Nigerians with more flexibility and affordable flight options
“This additional flight brings Ethiopian Airlines frequency in Nigeria to 31 weekly flights from all stations Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Enugu and 14 weekly flights to/from Lagos with early morning, mid-day and evening departures which makes Ethiopian airlines the most preferred by passengers for its flexible and convenient options. With this second daily flight, we can connect all of our 66 African destinations within 12 hours of flight time. There will be no need for layovers as there are instant connections available to Asia, Middle East, India, and Africa & to the rest of 150 global destinations.”
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of SIFAX Group, Taiwo Afolabi said: “I am so delighted to be here this evening because our partnership with Ethiopian Airlines as one of the best airlines in Africa. We are so grateful and wishing you all, wishing you best of luck. Our own business is to partner with you as the grand handler. And I just want you to know that everyone is proud of Ethiopian Airlines and we are proud of you and wish you the best of luck. And I know the third leg of your flight will come very shortly.”
Mr Ashok Satija, of Satguru, General Manager, Satguru Travels said: “It is a wonderful strategic move. This is an airline which thinks ahead of time, not only for their own profit but definitely for the partners and for the passengers. I appreciate this step and wish best of luck to all of you”.
