The largest Pan-African aviation group, Ethiopian Airlines has celebrated its 75th anniversary in style, having survived the COVID-19 pandemic without any form of bailouts or staff layoffs.
Ethiopian Airlines made its maiden international flight in 1946 to Cairo, as noted by the American Journal of Transportation. Since then, the airline overcame the ups and downs of the aviation industry and the challenges unique to Africa to become Africa’s largest, most profitable and award-winning Aviation Group.
“As we celebrate 75 years of excellence, we take stock of our accomplishments over three quarters of a century,” said company CEO Tewolde GebreMariam.
Among the many firsts introduced by Ethiopian, Mr GebreMariam noted, was the first Jet aircraft in Africa, the first East Africa to West Africa scheduled flight, the first airline from the Western Hemisphere to fly to China, the first scheduled service between the capitals of the most populous nations in the world (from New Delhi to Beijing), the first airline in Africa to introduce the B767, B777-200LR, B787 (Dreamliner) and later on the A350 to Africa.
“We remain the only commercial airline that hasn’t sought government bailout and didn’t lay off a single employee. I would like to take this opportunity to cement our commitment to sustainable aviation and continue to work with all stakeholders to enhance Africa’s air connectivity,” Mr GebreMariam said.
