Ethiopian Airlines expands Nigeria operations

Ethiopian Airlines plans to launch 3X-weekly Addis Ababa Bole International Airport-Kaduna (Nigeria) services Aug. 1, despite the economic challenges for the Addis Ababa-based carrier. ATW understands Ethiopian will use either a Boeing 787 or 737NG on this route. With the addition of Kaduna, Ethiopian operates a total of 23 weekly flights from Addis Ababa to Nigeria’s main cities including Abuja, Lagos, Enugu and Kano. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Tewolde Gebremariam said: “During the temporary closure of Abuja Airport for reconstruction four months ago, we were the first foreign carrier to land at Kaduna Airport.” Gebremariam said the Ethiopian flag carrier had expanded the Nigerian services during a difficult period. “Our biggest challenge is cash because our money is stuck in [African] countries like Angola, Nigeria or Sudan,” Gebremariam said recently, adding the carrier also has “the usual problems, including high taxes, infrastructure and [high] jet fuel costs. Fuel is about 30% more expensive in Africa compared to Europe.” Gebremariam said expanding and availing a more efficient intra-African network will remain at the core of the Star Alliance member’s operation. “In line with our long-term strategic roadmap, Vision 2025, we shall keep on playing the positive role in catalyzing the socio-economic development of our continent,” he said.<br/>