Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopian Airlines have announced a strategic Joint Venture (JV) aimed at transforming travel connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The agreement was signed at Ethiopian Airlines’ headquarters in Addis Ababa and includes a codeshare arrangement that will open up new travel opportunities for passengers on both airlines.

As part of this collaboration, new flights will be launched between Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa, further strengthening the ties between the two regions. Ethiopian Airlines plans to start operations from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) to Zayed International Airport (AUH) on July 15. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways will commence its daily flights to Addis Ababa beginning October 1.

Pending regulatory approval, the Etihad – Ethiopian JV will allow both airlines to work together in route development and expansion between the UAE and Ethiopia, enhancing connectivity across their networks. This partnership aims to provide greater value to passengers by improving links between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, leading to a more seamless travel experience.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, emphasized that this Joint Venture is beneficial for customers of both airlines. He noted that the new flights connecting Addis Ababa and Abu Dhabi will integrate their growing networks, providing passengers with easier access to a wider range of destinations through their hubs. Neves also highlighted the potential for further collaboration in areas such as frequent flyer programs, training, and cargo services.

Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, expressed enthusiasm about the strategic agreement with Etihad Airways, marking it as a key milestone for enhancing connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. He mentioned that this partnership would enable their passengers to enjoy greater travel convenience and exceptional service, reflecting a commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting economic growth between Ethiopia and the UAE.

The Joint Venture also aims to expand travel options and streamline journeys for passengers traveling to major African destinations on Ethiopian’s network, including cities like Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Kampala, Uganda; Kinshasa, DR Congo; and Lusaka, Zambia. Additionally, it will connect to key cities in the UAE and Asia, including various Etihad destinations in Pakistan and Southeast Asia, such as Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Islamabad, Pakistan.

Ethiopian Airlines will utilize its modern fleet, including the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350-1000, for the new route, ensuring a comfortable travel experience for passengers. The airline provides extensive connectivity from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, catering to numerous international and domestic destinations with smooth transit options.