As Nigeria is still in the quest of establishing its national carrier in the global aviation industry, Africa’s largest carrier, Ethiopian Airlines has said it is ready to support the country for a successful establishment of a national airline for the country.
The federal government Nigeria resuscitated its plan for national airline following failed attempt to launch a national carrier last year.
Nigerian minister of transport, Hadi Sirika, at the recent Global Aviation Summit in Mumbai said the country will release bids for a flag carrier, “which will be private sector driven.
Managing Director, Ethiopian International Services, Esayas WoldeMariam Hailu, the airlines which has vast experience in the global aviation operation is prepared to render in expertise to Nigeria.
Esayas who spoke to Journalists in an interview in the airline’s hub in Addis Ababa stated that Nigeria as the largest African population and also the largest economy in Africa, with very high mobility both domestically and overseas needs a national carrier.
He noted that Ethiopian Airlines would welcome any partnership that may arise from Nigeria in this area, adding that the Airline is in expectation of that.
He said the airline is also working closely with the Ghanaian government for the establishment of a new home-based flag carrier.
He said the project for the establishing of a home-based flag carrier for Ghana is in good progress and both parties are working closely in order to realize it as soon as possible.
Ghana’s Aviation Minister, Joseph Kofi Adda, and Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Tewolde GebreMariam, had earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), at the headquarters of the airline in Addis Ababa which is expected to see the new carrier in operation soon.
Commenting on the secret of Ethiopian airline’s in the aviation industry, and how other African airlines can learn from it, Esayas said the airline attributes its success to Meticulously chosen business model and robust execution strategy, Self-sufficiency in training aviation personnel who embody the values and spirit of Ethiopian Airlines, and Utilization of latest technology – Ethiopian is the frontrunners in embracing latest industry technology in Africa.
He listed other attributes to include: Management autonomy and Unique and strategically located hub – in the middle of the East-West major trade lane.
by Friday Nwosu
