Ethiopian Airlines is doubling down on its Africa expansion plans, despite the Boeing crisis

Despite facing its biggest crisis in years, Ethiopian Airlines’ CE says the company remains committed to its pan-African expansion plans including striking more partnerships across the continent. Tewolde GebreMariam said the airline remained bullish about forging into new markets and opening up to private investment. He said the carrier is in the process of acquiring airlines in Togo, Ghana, and Guinea, alongside already existing partner airlines in Chad, Malawi, and Mozambique. Tewolde also commented on plans to open up the carrier for domestic and international investment. The move is part of reforms by prime minister Abiy Ahmed. The process was still in its early stages, Tewolde argued, but “When we open the airline for shares and privatisation, it will be given priority to African countries.” <br/>