Ethiopian Airlines has been named “African Airline of the Year 2006,” reflecting its continued strong growth, financial performance and high service standards. The award, made by African Aviation Journal, aims to recognize individuals, companies and organizations that have made a significant contribution to aviation development in Africa.
Since its launch in 1945, a major goal of Ethiopian Airlines has been to unite African communities, and increase links with other nations. The airline now has the largest passenger and freight networks of any carrier on the African continent. From its hub in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian serves 47 destinations around the world, including 28 in Africa, with a fleet of Boeing 767, 757 and 737 jets, and Fokker 50 and De Havilland Twin Otter turboprops.
Ethiopian is also a launch customer for the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with the first of 10 due to be delivered in 2008. From Australia, the airline’s closest gateways are Bangkok, with daily flights to Addis Ababa, and Hong Kong, with three weekly flights to Addis Ababa. All of these flights connect with onward services throughout Africa.
