Ethiopian Airlines is enhancing Atlanta’s status as a key business gateway to Africa by expanding its services. Following the introduction of its nonstop flight to Addis Ababa a year ago, the airline now offers one-stop connections to Nairobi, Kenya, and Accra, Ghana.
According to globalatlanta.com, These flights open exciting opportunities for business, leisure, missionary and humanitarian travelers in these key African capitals at a time when both are eyeing deeper connections with Atlanta and the Southeast U.S., says Muluken Amare, Ethiopian Airlines’ traffic and sales manager in the Southeast USA.
In May, Kenyan President William Ruto led a large delegation to Atlanta, visiting companies like Coca-Cola Co. and Tyler Perry Studios while showcasing Kenya’s opportunities in clean energy, technology and other sectors. While the visit was controversial at home, it put Kenya on the map in a new way for Atlanta investors. The city still lacks a nonstop air connection to the country.
Ghana, meanwhile, has served as a West African hub for companies and nonprofits based in Atlanta and has been the subject of prior presidential visits from that country.
Ethiopian Airlines has made it easier for Atlanta travelers to explore cultural and commercial opportunities in these key East and West African markets while encouraging visitors from across Kenya and Ghana to experience Atlanta.
“Atlanta is a city that resonates with African visitors. They are interested in its history, business and cultural significance,” said Mr. Amare.
He added that Atlanta’s global companies and landmarks like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park make it an attractive destination for Kenyan and Ghanaian business and leisure travelers.
Both countries also sent delegates to the Atlanta Black Chambers’ inaugural Global Opportunities Conference in early October.
As a sponsor, Ethiopian Airlines ferried guests from all over Africa to Atlanta to foster new partnerships that will help Black-owned small businesses in the city conduct international business.
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“At Ethiopian Airlines, we take pride in providing an unparalleled travel experience for passengers heading to and from Africa,” said Mr. Amare. “With our modern fleet and renowned hospitality, travelers can expect a comfortable journey, including inflight entertainment, gourmet meals and attentive service. Our routes from Atlanta to Nairobi and Atlanta to Accra, with a convenient stop in Addis Ababa, ensure that passengers enjoy a seamless and enjoyable flight experience.”
The stop in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, an important hub for the airline, also offers travelers a chance to explore that city’s tourism opportunities or connect to any of the airline’s more than 64 other African destinations if needed.
Discovering Nairobi and East Africa
Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, is an influential business hub and a gateway to East Africa for Atlantans looking to tap into the growing market, according to Eric Mwangi, executive director of ABN Worldwide, the Atlanta-based African business network that provides networking and referral marketing for African entrepreneurs.
For business travelers, Nairobi offers numerous opportunities for trade, investment and networking, particularly in the technology, agriculture and infrastructure sectors, he says.
For leisure travelers, Nairobi is the entry point for visiting Nairobi National Park, the Great Rift Valley or the city’s Giraffe Centre.
Accra as a Hub in West Africa
On the other side of the continent, Accra, the capital of Ghana, has a rich history and is an appealing destination for Atlantans interested in cultural heritage and historical tourism, according to Matthew Abakah, financial controller of the Ghana Council of Georgia.
Visitors to Accra can visit Cape Coast Castle which offers a glimpse into the history of the transatlantic slave trade or shop for textiles, art and crafts in the markets of Makola.
The Ethiopian Airlines flight has been used mostly for family vacations among the 8,000 Ghanaians in Atlanta, Mr. Abakah notes. “But the Ghanaian business community is starting to take notice of the Ethiopian services, and we are very excited,” he adds.
Accra is an important economic center in West Africa, with strong industries in telecommunications, financial services and energy. For business travelers, this direct Ethiopian Airlines route offers a connection with one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa.
“People in Ghana and also in the diaspora are very excited to want to use this airline,” Mr. Abakah asserts.
Ultimately, Ethiopian Airlines’ new routes promise to strengthen the ties between Atlanta and two of Africa’s most dynamic cities.