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Tag: Ethiopian Airlines

  • NCAA orders Ethiopian Airlines to stop collection of unauthorised charges

    NCAA orders Ethiopian Airlines to stop collection of unauthorised charges

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has ordered Ethiopian Airlines to stop the collection of  unauthorised charges forthwith.

    The order was contained in a statement signed by Mr Sam Adurogboye, NCAA General Manager, Public Relations, on Sunday in Lagos.

    Adurogboye said these unauthorised charges referred to as” refundable deportation fee” is put at between 75 dollars  and 150 dollars.

    According to him, all South Africa bound passengers on Ethiopian Airlines are compelled to pay this amount before boarding.

    He noted that the authority had been inundated with several complaints from many passengers that have suffered this fate.

    “According to investigation by NCAA, all outbound passengers to South Africa from Murtala Mohammed International Airport, (MMIA), Lagos and Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, transiting through Addis Ababa, are liable to pay 75 dollars.

    “However, if your transiting time is 24 hours or beyond, the passenger will pay 150 dollars.

    “While passengers are not given prior notice concerning these charges before arriving at the airports, some were made to sign undertaken to be responsible for all expenses incurred if deported,” Adurogboye said.

    He said consequent upon this, the Ethiopian Airlines’ Country management were summoned by NCAA, where they claimed the fees were always refunded when a passenger was not deported.

    Adurogboye said the regulatory authority however found this unacceptable and viewed it as a violation of the its extant regulations.

    “The Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs) Part 18.4.1(iii) stipulates that “all air carriers should obtain approval from the authority to introduce or increase add-on charges or surcharges prior to implementation.

    “Till date, the authority has not received any request for fare increase, tariff or add-ons from the airline.

    “On this strength, Ethiopian Airlines has been ordered to stop with immediate effect these illegal charges,” he said.

    Adurogboye noted that the Airline could take advantage of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CAR) and obtain necessary approvals from the Authority if it has genuine grounds to increase fares or obtain tariffs.

    The spokesman said :”the NCAA hereby warns all operating airlines to endeavour to adhere to the regulations in all facets of their operations.

    “It is part of our statutory responsibilities to protect the rights of passengers and this we shall continue to do in accordance to the law.”

  • Ethiopian Airline airlifts 4,500 passengers from Kaduna airport in 28 days

    Ethiopian Airline airlifts 4,500 passengers from Kaduna airport in 28 days

    Ethiopian Airlines says it has airlifted over 4,500 passengers from Kaduna International Airport since it commenced flight operations from the airport on March 8.

    Mrs Firiehiwot Mekonnen, the airline’s Traffic and Sales Manager, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja that it had so far operated 28 flights from the airport.

    “We have airlifted more than 4,500 passengers; we also operated 28 flights from March 8 to April 4 and our experience so far is good.

    “Ethiopian Airlines, having a vision of being the leading aviation group, is working hard to have more than 120 destinations as one of the vision 2025 goals,” she said.

    Mekonnen described as encouraging the level of work so far done on the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and expressed optimism that the airport would be reopened on April 19.

    She, however, urged the contractor to maintain the high pace of work on the runway and ensure that the deadline was met.

    “We have not seen the runway yet but from the report we are getting we think the government will meet the deadline,” she said.

    NAN recalls that the Minister of State, Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika had on March 30, disclosed that over 50 international flights had been operated from Kaduna airport with about 4,000 international passengers in three weeks.

    He added that about 73,000 domestic passengers had been airlifted with about 1,119 aircraft movements for domestic operations.

    NAN reports that Ethiopian Airline is the only foreign airline operating from Kaduna, while two Nigerian airlines, Arik and Medview, also operate international flights from the airport.

    As at March 29, Arik had airlifted about 165 international passengers with 11 aircraft movements for both arrivals and departures.

    NAN reports that the Federal Government shut Abuja airport on March 8 for six weeks to carry out major repairs on its 3.6 km runway.

    The rehabilitation work has reached 75 per cent completion two weeks to the reopening of the airport, according to a tweet by the minister on Wednesday.

  • Ethiopian Airlines wins Cargo Award

    Ethiopian Airlines, has won ‘Cargo Airline Award for Network Development’ at the tenth anniversary of the Brussels Airport Aviation Awards.

    The Network Development Awards are presented to airlines that have developed new routes or achieved a remarkable growth in passengers or cargo. As a result, the ‘Network Development Award Cargo Airline’ award was awarded to Ethiopian Cargo in recognition to the commitment of the airline to rapidly expand its cargo network and for becoming the largest cargo airline at Brussels Airport in just 6 months period.

    Ethiopian Group CEO, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, remarked: “We are very pleased to be the winner of such a prestigious award. The award boosts our energy to serve our customers’ air cargo needs better. Ethiopian cargo services connects African economies with the rest of the world in import of industrial goods and export of commodities which are both the engine of the socio economic development in today’s highly globalized world.

    “With six new and modern B-777F and two  B-757F all cargo airplanes complemented by the vast network of belly hold capacity on our passenger wide body airplanes, Ethiopian cargo is currently the largest cargo airline in the continent of Africa.

    “ We are grateful to our dedicated cargo team, our global cargo customers and particularly to our Belgian partners who have made our cargo hub in Europe a resounding success.

    “ With the inauguration of the largest and the most modern cargo terminal in Africa, with annual cargo capacity of 600 thousand tons, in the coming couple of months; we will transform Addis Ababa as one of the best Cargo Hubs in the air cargo industry.”

  • Airport Closure: 1,890 passengers conveyed by road, says FG

    Airport Closure: 1,890 passengers conveyed by road, says FG

     

    The Federal Government Monday said it has conveyed 1,890 air passengers by road since the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport runway was closed.

    This is contained in a statement in Abuja Monday by the Deputy Director of Press of the Ministry of Aviation, James Odaudu.

    The statement did not state whether passengers used the free train transport provided by the government.

    Quoting statistics collated by the office of the minister of State (Aviation),  Hadi Sirika, 28 passengers were transported on the first day of the arrival of Ethiopian Airlines’ aircraft.

    “589, 695 and 578 on the second, third and the fourth day respectively when the domestic flight operations commenced.”

    The statement further reads: “From Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to Kaduna Airport, total numbers of 458 passengers were transported on the return leg, 1,426.

    “The figure is expected to go up this new week due to the rising awareness among passengers”, said the minister

    The Minister also implored air passengers to take advantage of the provision and to also arrive early at the Abuja Airport end in order not to miss their flights in Kaduna.

    “The passengers need to get to Abuja Airport four hours earlier than their scheduled flight, so the buses will bring them within two or two and half hours to be able to process their boarding at Kaduna Airport within an hour”.

    According to the statement, a passenger on board of one of the buses provided, said:  “the government has saved me nothing less than Ten thousand naira (N10, 000) if I want to go to Abuja on my own on a hired taxi from Kaduna International Airport”.

     

  • Ethiopian is airline of the year

    Ethiopian Airlines has emerged winner of the Airline the Year  award for the fifth year. It received the award during the African Airlines Association’s (AFRAA’s) 48th Annual General Assembly in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

    The AFRAA yearly awards recognise excellence in service delivery, innovation and competitiveness in airlines, individuals and service providers in the African aviation industry.

    Ethiopian was praised for its outstanding financial performance, technological leadership and investment in modern fuel efficient fleet. It was also praised for its exemplary cooperation with other African carriers.

    While receiving the award, Ethiopian Group Chief Executive Officer Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, said:  “We are highly honoured for this recognition by fellow airlines in Africa, for the fifth consecutive year.

    “The award underscores the continuous efforts and hard work of Ethiopian employees who are striving day and night to surpass customers’expectations.”

  • Ethiopian Airlines to hire Nigerian pilots, says country manager

    Ethiopian Airlines plans to employ Nigerian pilots for its growing fleet of B777, B787, B737 and Dash 8 Q-400 aircraft.

    Besides, the carrier is ready to train more Nigerian pilots and aircraft engineers at its aviation academy in Addis Ababa.

    The Ethiopian Airlines’Country  Manager, Mr. Solomon Begashaw, said the gesture was part of its contribution to aviation in Africa.

    He said the airline considers Nigeria as a strategic route, for which is ready to contribute to develop air transport in Africa.

    He said: “Ethiopian serves the Nigerian travellers from four airports of Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Kano. To reinforce its support for Nigeria, Ethiopian Airlines is offering to hire Nigeria pilots for its ever growing fleet of aircraft and train more Nigerians in our aviation academy,  which is the largest in Africa.”

    He said  despite the economic crisis facing the country, the airline had no plans of leaving and would continue its operations.

    Begashaw said: ”Ethiopian Airlines wish to inform its esteemed Nigerian passengers that it will continue its scheduled operations to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, despite the recent withdrawal by some airlines out of Lagos and Abuja.

    “As a veteran Pan-African carrier, it has always been our source of pride to serve our beloved continent, Africa, both in good and bad times. Our presence in Nigeria dates back to the 1960, same time the Federal Republic of Nigeria got independence. Ethiopian Airlines has been part of Nigeria’s historic growth and always considers itself as a partner in the history and growth of the country.

    “Hence, the management of Ethiopian Airlines wish to clarify its stance of pursuing its operations to Nigeria and keeping Nigerian travellers connected to five continents around the globe.  As a Pan-African carrier, Ethiopian Airlines will remain with the Nigerian public in good and bad times like it has always done in the past 50 years.”

    According to Begashaw, the airlines do not wish to be in Nigeria only when the going is good, but rather makes sacrifice along with Nigerians in trying times.

    “Nigerians are resilient and resourceful and will soon come out of the temporary recession,” he said.

  • Ethiopian Airlines vows to stand by Nigeria

    AT a period when many international airlines operating in Nigeria are reconsidering their activities, while some are even withdrawing from the country,  the management of Ethiopian Airlines has restated its commitment to the country by vowing to stick with the country through its difficult economy period.

    Speaking during a press briefing at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos to celebrate the airline’s 70th anniversary this week, the Country Area Manager Nigeria, Solomon Begashaw, said the airline has no plan or reason to leave the country because it consider itself as a Nigerian carrier.

    Begashaw said:  ”As a veteran Pan-African carrier, it has always been our source of pride to serve our beloved continent, Africa, both in good and bad times. Our presence in Nigeria dates back to the 1960’s, same time the Federal Republic of Nigeria got independence. Ethiopian has been part of Nigeria’s historic growth and always considers itself as a partner in the history and growth of Nigeria as a country. Hence, the Management of Ethiopian Airlines wishes to clarify its stance of pursuing its operation to Nigeria and keep Nigerian travelers connected to five continents around the globe.

    “As an indigenous Pan-African Carrier, Ethiopian airlines will remain with the Nigerian public in good and bad times like it has always done in the past 50 years. Ethiopian has been in the highs and lows of Nigeria; all through the crisis periods of Nigeria and also during the last Economic crisis, providing the link between Nigeria and the outside world there by showing its African solidarity.”

    According to him, Ethiopian Airlines currently serves the Nigerian traveler from the four airports of Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Kano.

    “To reinforce its support to Nigeria; Ethiopian is offering to hire Nigerian pilots for its ever growing fleet of B777,B787,B737 and Dash 8 Q-400 Aircraft, train more Nigerians in its Aviation academy, which is the largest in Africa. Besides, Ethiopian Airlines had always served Nigeria with the best Aircraft in its fleet, like the A350 Airbus, B787 Dreamliner and the B777 wide body.

    “In the Spirit of African brotherhood, Ethiopian Airlines does not wish to be in Nigeria only when the going is good, but rather, make sacrifices along with Nigerians in this trying time, knowing that Nigerians are resilient and resourceful and will soon come out of the temporary recession.”

    He said the vision of Ethiopian airline is to be the leading aviation group in Africa, notinmg that the airline is a four star airline that offers five star services.

    “The success of Ethiopian Airlines is predicated on the well-dedicated staff and management working round the clock to meet customers’ expectations. The airline has no direct government intervention, as it is run by board of directors,” he said.

    The country area manager Nigeria stated that the airline is open to partnership with local Nigerian carriers.

    He added that Ethiopian Airlines consists of seven groups like Ethiopian Airlines Cargo, Catering and Ground Handling services among others, with the biggest aviation academy in Africa that trains 4000 aviation personnel per annum.

    Begashaw disclosed that the airline has a cordial working relationship with Nigerian authorities.

    As the Airline celebrates 70 years of existence, the airline has extended free tickets to Nigerians who liked Ethiopian Airlines Nigeria Facebook page.

  • Ethiopian Airlines, Bombardier sign $63m aircraft deal 

    Ethiopian Airlines and Bombardier Commercial Aircraft have signed a firm purchase agreement for two additional Q400 turboprop aircraft, that will bring the carrier’s Q400 aircraft fleet to 19 aircraft.

    The transaction is valued at approximately $63 million.

    Tewolde Gebremariam, Group Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian Airlines, said: “We are continuously working to have the right fleet with agility, optimal range, load and passenger comfort which is critical for us to keep our leadership position in the market. The Q400 aircraft continues to be an integral part of our expansion strategy in Africa.Through our strategic partnerships with ASKY Airlines in Togo and Malawian Airlines in Malawi, the Q400 airliner has played a vital role in availing convenient connections, as well as increasing frequencies to support air travel growth in Africa and successfully create a missing link.”

    He added:  ”The Q400 aircraft is also our core fleet to our domestic and regional destinations, thereby ensuring excellent passenger experience, operational flexibility and economics. We continue to work with Bombardier to support and maintain the aircraft through our approved Q400 Authorised Service Facility and our Q400 aircraft simulator.”

    Also commenting on the development, Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, said: “The Q400 turboprop continues to make impressive headway in Africa and has proven its ruggedness and reliability in challenging operational  environments where its hot and high capability, jet-like speed and high rate of climb are significant assets.”

    Cromer added: “Some 69 Q400 aircraft are now in service with more than 20 operators on the continent, and we are delighted with Ethiopian Airlines’ continuing growth and impressive use of the aircraft to satisfy a wide variety of market requirements.”

    On his part, John Kassis, Vice President, Sales, Africa and the Middle East, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, said: “Our  commitment to help Africa continue to expand its regional airline network with modern, economical, fuel-efficient and  environmentally sensitive aircraft remains a very high priority at Bombardier.

    “Our collaboration with operators in Africa encompasses the Dash 8/Q Series turboprops and the pioneering CRJ Series family of regional jets. Now, we are witnessing the unprecedented growth in Africa being undertaken by Ethiopian Airlines, ASKY and Malawian and the Q400  turboprop airliner continues to be a key contributor to this strategy.”

    In 2013, Ethiopian Airlines joined Bombardier’s global network of Authorised Service Facilities (ASFs) for commercial aircraft and performs line and heavy maintenance on Q400 aircraft at its facilities at Bole International Airport in Addis  Ababa.

    The ASF works with Bombardier’s maintenance network of service centres and ASFs, as well as with Bombardier’s network of parts hubs and depots, including the Johannesburg Parts Depot. A full-service Bombardier Regional Support Office is also located in Johannesburg.

  • Ethiopian Airlines on the move

    Ethiopian Airlines on the move

    Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa, has announced that it has started serving Sao Paulo, a city in the fifth continent in its route network, with a non-stop flight from Addis Ababa since April 25, 2015. Ethiopian tri-weekly flights to Brazil are operated using the ultra-modern Boeing 787 from the major hub in Addis Ababa. The start of this non-stop service to Sao Paulo reduces transit stops for customers traveling from the rest of Ethiopian destinations.

    Brazil is the largest national economy in South America and the eight in the world. Brazil has a diversified economy including agriculture, industry, and a wide range of services such as ecotourism, leisure and cultural tourism. Sao Paulo is the biggest city in the country and has significant cultural, economic and political influence both nationally and internationally. The city is home to several important monuments, parks and museums. “We are very pleased to be able to enhance the quality of our product and improve our competitive edge. The non-stop flight secures increased connectivity and reduced transit time for our customers. The new nonstop Addis Ababa – Sao Paulo flights will provide efficient connections for customers from almost all of our destinations in the other four continents we serve. “Said CEO Tewolde Gebremariam.

    Passengers to and from Sao Paulo will enjoy maximum connectivity to destinations in Ethiopian world-wide route network in Africa, Middle East, Asia and Europe. The new non-stop flight will enhance travel on the China – Africa – Brazil trade lane.

  • Ethiopian Airlines connects Japan to Africa

    Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa, has announced it has started new services to Tokyo Narita International Airport from the 21st of this month in codeshare partnership with fellow Star Alliance member, All Nippon Airways, Japan’s leading airline.

    The thrice-weekly flight, the only direct connection between Africa and Japan, will be operated through Hong Kong with the ultra-modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft  which offers customers the best on-board comfort with the biggest windows in the sky, high ceiling, less noise than any aircraft with less carbon footprint  and higher cabin humidity ideal.

    Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group, Ato Tewolde Gebremariam, said: “As the only direct service between Africa and Japan, our flights to Narita will give our customers the best possible connectivity options and will be critical role in enabling greater people-to-people, investment, trade and tourism ties between a rising Africa, the second fastest growing region in the world, and a highly industrialized Japan, the third largest economy in the world.”

    Tokyo is one of the world’s most populous metropolis and serves as Japan’s political, economic and cultural hub. Japan is the world’s third largest economy and one of the main financial and economic centres with growing investment, trade and tourism ties with Africa. Ethiopian flights to Tokyo will enable the strengthening of investment, trade, tourism and people-to-people ties between Africa and Japan.