The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ethiopian Airlines

  • Ethiopian Airlines to begin flights to Geneva

    Ethiopian Airlines is set to launch direct thrice weekly service to Geneva, Switzerland on June 3, 2018.

    Switzerland will host the highest number of international organizations in the world, including the headquarters of many of the agencies of the United Nations and the Red Cross, Geneva.

    Regarding the launch of the service, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, said: “Geneva hosts the highest number of international organizations in the world, making it a global hub for diplomacy. It’s a perfect complement to Addis Ababa, our main hub and Africa’s diplomatic capital with the headquarters of the African Union and the UN-ECA (Economic Commission for Africa). Government officials and staff from regional and international organizations in Geneva and across our extensive African network will be able to enjoy seamless and convenient connectivity, enabling them to carry out their missions with ease and convenience.”

    The route will be operated with a Boeing 787-800, one of the most technologically advanced aircraft in the carrier’s fleet family, featuring up-to-date amenities with redefined travel experiences. As with all Ethiopian’s flights, customers will enjoy the much acclaimed African-flavored Ethiopian hospitality.

  • Ethiopian Airlines wins AFRAA Airline of the Year award

    Ethiopian Airlines wins AFRAA Airline of the Year award

    Ethiopian Airlines has won Airline of the Year Award, for the sixth consecutive year, by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) during its 49th Annual General Assembly held on November 13, 2017, in Kigali.

    The AFRAA annual awards recognize excellence in service delivery, innovation and competitiveness in airlines, individuals and service providers in the African aviation industry. Ethiopian Airlines has been chosen for its remarkable performance revealed through its exceptional profitability for the financial year ended June 2016, exemplary cooperation with other African carriers, cargo development in the continent, and significant expansion of its route network helping to connect Africa together and with the rest of the world.

    Group CEO Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam said, “As a truly indigenous and home-grown Pan-African airline owned, managed and operated by Africans, we are highly honored to receive this recognition by fellow sisterly airlines in the continent for the 6th consecutive year.

    “I would like to thank AFRAA and airlines in the continent for recognizing our efforts in nurturing cooperation with other sisterly African Airlines and in availing efficient passenger and cargo networks within, to and from the continent, while registering sound financial performance and record profit in 2016. Africa is at the heart of our 15 year fast, profitable and sustainable growth strategic roadmap, Vision 2025.

    “Already seven years into this strategy, we have surpassed all our goals in passenger number, cargo uplift, fleet size, revenue, profitability and customer service with our recent 4 Star airline recognition by SKYTRAX, the premier customer service rating organization in our industry. We currently serve 55 African cities, the largest network in the continent, connecting them with each other and to more than 100 international destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas using state of the art aircraft offering superior on-board aircraft such as the B787s and A350s.

    “Air transport is an essential and critical public service and a key enabler for socio economic development and integration in our continent. African governments should create more conducive environment for the airline industry in the continent so that African carriers are enabled to play their rightful role in ensuring the flow of investments, trade and tourism to the continent.”

    Ethiopian is a multi-award winning airline. On November 8, 2017, SKYTRAX, the most prestigious international air transport standards and quality rating organization, has certified Ethiopian as Four Star Airline. SKYTRAX has also awarded Ethiopian as SKYTRAX World Airline Award for Best Airline Staff in Africa, two times, and earlier in 2017 Ethiopian has received SKYTRAX World Airline Award for Best Airline in Africa.

     

  • Ethiopian Airlines brings newest B787-9 aircraft to Abuja

    Ethiopian Airlines early this week transported 177 passengers to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with its newest Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The aircraft, code named “Big Brother”, touched down at 11:45a.m with 27 business class and 150 economy class passengers with the usual flight shower.

    The new aircraft was welcomed by the officers of the Airport Fire Service with water cannon shower to mark the arrival of new aircraft to the airport.

    Mrs Firiehiwot Mekonnen, Sales and Traffic Manager, said the new aircraft, which is a 315-seater comprising 30 business class and 285 economy seats, was the newest of Boeing aircraft in the world.

    Mekonnen said the decision to fly the aircraft to Abuja on Tuesday was to give passengers the opportunity to experience the comfort of the new aircraft.

    She said the aircraft was a month old in Ethiopian airlines’ fleet, adding that the aircraft would be flown to all its 100 destinations around the world.

    The pilot of the aircraft, Capt Michael Yilma, said that he was one of the first pilots to be trained on the aircraft, explaining that Ethiopian Airline was the second to acquire the B787-9 after Japan.

    He said that passengers had enjoyed the unique on-board features of the latest technology aircraft such as on-board comfort such as the biggest windows in the sky, high ceiling and less noise.

  • Arik Air files N20b suit against Fed Govt, Ethiopian Airlines over ‘takeover bid’

    Arik Air files N20b suit against Fed Govt, Ethiopian Airlines over ‘takeover bid’

    Arik Air Limited has filled a N20 billion suit against the Federal Government and Ethiopian Airlines over claims in the media that they were negotiating the takeover of the airline.

    The suit was instituted by the airline at the Federal High Court, Lagos against Ethiopian Airlines, the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Attorney General of the Federation.

    A copy of the suit, which was filed on September 6 by Arik Air’s counsel, Mr. Babajide Koku (SAN), Mr. Chukwuemeka Nwigwe and Mrs. Ezinne Emedom, was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos.

    In its statement of claim supported by a 20-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Mr. Chris Ndulue, a director with Arik Air, the plaintiff asked the court to restrain the first and second defendants from further negotiations on the airline takeover.

    The plaintiff noted that the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) had taken over the airline on February 8, which was challenged by its management via two suits already pending before the Federal High Court, Lagos.

    According to the plaintiff, the negotiations by the defendants will render the outcome of the suits nugatory.

    “The plaintiff avers that the agreement of the second defendant with the first defendant will be wide ranging and intricately affect every aspect of the plaintiff herein, including but not limited to the day-to-day running technical as well as financial management, which will affect the plaintiff as being the largest domestic and regional airline in Nigeria.

    “The plaintiff further avers that the action taken by the first and second defendants will have a negative effect on the country’s image as the plaintiff being the largest airline will be pawned over to another country for management,” it said.

    The plaintiff also averred that the negotiations had caused undue hardship and irreparable damage to the Arik Air brand and ongoing investment discussions as well as unbearable distress to the airline’s shareholders and directors.

    It, therefore, asked the court to declare the negotiations null and void because the Ministry of Transportation had no power to transfer the management of the airline to Ethiopian Airlines while the suits over the takeover are pending.

    The plaintiff also asked the court for an order directing the Attorney General of the Federation to ensure the investigation of Ethiopian Airlines by the appropriate authorities for inducing and interfering in the administration of justice in the pending suits.

    It added that if found culpable, the airline should be charged to court for criminal contempt, contrary to Section 133 (4) and (9) of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State, Cap C17,Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2004.

    The plaintiff also asked the court for an order compelling the Inspector General of Police to investigate the actions of the second defendant.

    It further asked the court for N20 billion being punitive damages against the first defendant for inducing or partaking in the interference of the rights of the plaintiff and the administration of justice.

    The suit is yet to be assigned to any judge and no date has been fixed for hearing.

  • Arik Air files N20bn suit against FG, Ethiopian Airlines

    Arik Air files N20bn suit against FG, Ethiopian Airlines

    Arik Air Limited has filled a N20 billion suit against the Federal Government and Ethiopian Airlines over recent claims in the media that they were negotiating the takeover of the airline.

    The suit was instituted by the airline at the Federal High Court, Lagos against Ethiopian Airlines, the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Attorney General of the Federation.

    A copy of the suit which was filed on Sept.6 by Arik Air’s counsel, Mr Babajide Koku (SAN), Mr Chukwuemeka Nwigwe and Mrs Ezinne Emedom, was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

    In its statement of claim supported by a 20 paragraph affidavit deposed to by Mr Chris Ndulue, a Director with Arik Air, the plaintiff asked the court to restrain the first and second defendants from further negotiations on its takeover.

    The plaintiff noted that the Asset Management Company of Nigeria ( AMCON ) had taken over the airline on Feb. 8 which was challenged by its management via two suits already pending before the Federal High Court, Lagos.

    According to the plaintiff, the suits numbers are FHC/L/CS/827/17 and FHC/L/CS/826/17, adding that the negotiations by the defendants will render the outcome of the suits nurgatory.

    “The plaintiff avers that the agreement of the second defendant with the first defendant will be wide ranging and intricately affect every aspect of the plaintiff herein, including but not limited to the day to day running technical as well as financial management which will affect the plaintiff as being the largest domestic and regional airline in Nigeria.

    “The plaintiff further avers that the action taken by the first and second defendants will have a negative effect on the country’s image as the plaintiff being the largest airline will be pawned over to another country for management,” it said.

    The plaintiff also averred that the negotiations had caused undue hardship and irreparable damage to the Arik Air brand and ongoing investment discussions as well as unbearable distress to the airline’s shareholders and directors.

    It, therefore, asked the court to declare the negotiations null and void because the Ministry of Transportation had no power to transfer the management of the airline to Ethiopian Airlines while the suits over the takeover are pending.

    The plaintiff also asked the court for an order directing the Attorney General of the Federation to ensure the investigation of Ethiopian Airlines by the appropriate authorities for inducing and interfering in the administration of justice in the pending suits.

    It added that if found culpable, the airline should be charged to court for criminal contempt contrary to Section 133 (4) and (9) of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State, Cap C17,Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2004.

    The plaintiff also asked the court for an order compelling the Inspector General of Police to investigate the actions of the second defendant.

    It further asked the court for N20 billion being punitive damages against the first defendant for inducing or partaking in the interference of the rights of the plaintiff and the administration of justice.

    NAN reports that the suit is yet to be assigned to any judge and no date has been fixed for hearing.

  • No negotiation with Ethiopian Airlines – AMCON

    No negotiation with Ethiopian Airlines – AMCON

    The Asset Management Corporation ( AMCON ), on Monday debunked reports that it was negotiating with Ethiopian Airlines to manage the Nigerian carrier, Arik Airline.

    The corporation debunked the report in a statement signed by Mr Jude Nwauzor, Head of Corporate Communications, in Lagos.

    Read also: AMCON, EFCC collaborate to recover N4.6tr debts

    AMCON said it was not aware of any current discussion or negotiation with the management of Ethiopian Airlines regarding Arik Air Ltd.

    “It is on record that the Receivership Team has within the period stabilised the operations of the airline, marked by stability of schedules; improved On-Time-Performance (OTP) and revamped customer service among others.

    “Today, the Airline has regained its dominance as the most reliable carrier in the country with growing passenger patronage and confidence.

    “The general public and all stakeholders will be kept duly informed on issues relating to the airline’s divestment,” Nwauzor said.

    Read also: N3b debt: AMCON gets court’s nod to takeover Gateway Portland Cement

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Arik was placed under receivership in February, following the airline’s inability to repay debts in excess of N300 billion to AMCON and other creditors within and outside the country.

    Read also: 350 businessmen owe banks N2.5tr – AMCON

  • ‘AMCON not discussing Arik Air with Ethiopian Airlines’

    ‘AMCON not discussing Arik Air with Ethiopian Airlines’

    The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) yesterday said it was not discussing with Ethiopian Airlines to render management services to Arik Air.

    In a statement, AMCON Head, Corporate Communications, Jude Nwauzor, said the corporation was not aware of any ‘current discussion or negotiation with the management of Ethiopian Airlines regarding Arik Air Limited’.

    He said Arik Air was placed in receivership last February, following the airline’s inability to repay debts in excess of N300 billion to AMCON and other creditors in and outside Nigeria.

    The receivership team has within the period stabilised the operations of the airline, marked by stability of schedules; improved On-Time-Performance (OTP) and revamped customer service among others. AMCON said the airline has regained its dominance as the most reliable carrier in the country with growing passenger patronage and confidence.

    AMCON said the general public and all stakeholders will be kept duly informed on issues relating to the airline’s divestment plan.

    “Our attention has been drawn to a barrage of media reports, which claimed that there are discussions going on with Ethiopian Airlines for the carrier to render management services to Arik.

    “Contrary to these reports, AMCON is not aware of any current discussion or negotiation with the management of Ethiopian Airlines regarding Arik Air Limited (Arik),” the statement read.

     

  • Ethiopian refurbishes B767-300 fleet

    Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s largest airline, has announced that it has fully refurbished its Boeing 767-300 ER fleet and availed for service on its India, Middle East and Africa destinations.

    The newly refurbished airplane is fitted with brand new full flat-bed seats in Cloud Nine, modern IFE with high resolution 17 inches screen and in-seat power outlets (in-flight entertainment), lighting and other modern cabin products.

    Customers in the main cabin will also enjoy new seats, multiple channels of in-flight audio and video entertainments accessible with their own mobile devices /tablets.

    Ethiopian Airlines boss, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, said: “As a customer focused and market driven airline, we are always committed to avail unmatched travel experience for our customers.

    “We have invested more than USD 6 million to retrofit our B-767-300 ER fleet, which will surely provide more choice and greater comfort to our customers. By December 2017, all our B767 fleet will be fitted with flat-bed seats in Cloud Nine with access to a range of video programming available for wireless streaming in all cabins.

    “I would like to congratulate our engineering and maintenance team at Ethiopian MRO for the job well done and wish to pledge to our customers that we shall always strive to ensure their extra comfort every time they fly with us.”

     

     

  • Stranded Pilgrims: Minister’s absence stalls probe

    Stranded Pilgrims: Minister’s absence stalls probe

    Efforts of the Hon. Nkiruika Onyejeocha headed House of Representatives Committee on Aviation to unravel the circumstances that led to the inability of Ethiopian Airlines to return pilgrims of the 2017 HAJJ programme met a brick wall yesterday.

    The Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who was pivotal to the hearing was absent Monday, causing the committee to adjourn the investigation till 10 am Tuesday

    The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Sabiu Zakari, who represented the Minister was told to convey the new date and time to the Minister

    The Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt Muktar Usman and the representatives of Ethiopian Airlines present were told  to return today for the hearing proper.

    Recall that last week! the House of Representatives had mandated its committee on Aviation to invite the Minister of Aviation, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Ethiopian Airlines to appear before it and give reasons for the excessive delays in bringing back Nigerians stranded in Saudi Arabia

    The Green Chamber flayed the airline for the recent long delays and disrespectful behavior towards Nigerians and other nationals from Saudi Arabia to Nigeria by the Airlines and said flight delay compensation be paid to them according to global aviation rules.

    The resolution of the House was sequel to the adoption of the prayers of a motion by Hon. Zakari Mohammed on complaints against Ethiopian Airlines.

    The lawmaker while moving the motion noted that Ethiopian Airlines due to the backlog and delays, have left over one thousand Nigerians stranded in Jeddah for over one week with most running out of funds to survive.

    The House also resolved that Ethiopian Airlines should apologize through two national dailies, to the affected passengers.

    Speaking yesterday, the chairman of the committee, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha who read the House resolution to those present said the issue is serious and requires the presence of the Minister.

    “The resolution says we should invite the minister and now the minister is not here. I’ve discussed with the members of the committee and we have resolved that the meeting cannot move on because the minister is not here.

    “The permanent secretary should convey the decision to the minister that the meeting is serious because by Thursday we must revert back to the House. It’s not something we can decide without the authorities being here,” She said.

  • Reps Summon Minister, NCAA, Ethiopian Airlines, over stranded passengers

    Reps Summon Minister, NCAA, Ethiopian Airlines, over stranded passengers

    The House of Representatives Wednesday mandated its committee on Aviation to invite the Minister of Aviation, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Ethiopian Airlines to appear before and give reasons for the excessive delays in bringing back Nigerians stranded in Saudi Arabia

    The Green Chamber flayed the airline for the recent long delays and disrespectful behavior towards Nigerians and other nationals from Saudi Arabia to Nigeria by the Airlines and said flight delay compensation be paid to them according to global aviation rules.

    The resolution of the House was sequel to the adoption of the prayers of a motion by Hon. Zakari Mohammed on complaints against Ethiopian Airlines.

    The lawmaker while moving the motion noted that Ethiopian Airlines due to the backlog of delays have left Nigerians stranded in Jeddah for over one week with most running out of funds to survive.

    He said the airline’s refusal to offer a reasonable explanation for the delay was worrisome, and also in violation of Article 2 of Ethiopian Airlines passenger commitment.

    According to him, it made reservations for three persons to occupy one hotel room in overnight delays again, in violation of Article 11 of the Ethiopian Airlines passenger commitment published on their website.

    He said passengers had to incur more expenses by making hotel reservations for themselves. due to the inconveniences caused by the airline,

    Mohammed also said over one thousand Nigerians who were due to be back in the country on 27 June, 2017 were stranded in Jeddah for 4-5 days.

    The House thereafter mandated its committee on Aviation to invite the Minister of Aviation, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Ethiopian Airlines to appear before and give reasons for the excessive delays.

    The House also resolved that Ethiopian Airlines should apologize through two national dailies, to the affected passengers.