Abu dhabi: The launching of a daily passenger flight to Abu Dhabi by Ethiopian Airlines represents a renewed commitment to strengthening the longstanding ties between Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), stated Ethiopian Airlines Board Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of the Ethiopian Air Force, Lieutenant General Yilma Merdasa, at the inaugural flight ceremony.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Lieutenant General Yilma emphasized that the expansion is more than just an increase in the number of flights, but a renewed commitment to strengthening bonds between Ethiopia and UAE. The two countries share not only close diplomatic and economic ties but also shared values and aspirations.
He noted that the commencement of the new route stands as a testament to the success of Ethiopian Airlines operations in the UAE and the trust earned from the government and people of the UAE. This performance of Ethiopian Airlines reflects Ethiopia's broader transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Ethiopia Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew highlighted that the new route to Abu Dhabi, a city with cultural and strategic significance, is an addition to Ethiopian Airlines' expanding destination map. He recalled that Ethiopian first began serving Abu Dhabi in 1976, though its service faced interruption and was eventually discontinued, continuing through Dubai in 1979.
Tasew revealed that Ethiopian operates 21 weekly passenger flights to Dubai and launched four weekly flights to Sharjah as of June this year, reflecting the growing demand for travel between Africa and the UAE. He stated that Ethiopian is proud to be at the heart of this development. The new flight to Abu Dhabi represents not only the restoration of a previously interrupted route but also marks a renewed commitment to partnership between Ethiopia and UAE.
The CEO further disclosed that in the last two months, Ethiopian has added four new destinations to its global network, with Abu Dhabi being the fifth. Ethiopian Airlines will continue expanding its global networks using state-of-the-art airplanes and enhanced customer services supported by digital technologies.
Hamad Farid, UAE Deputy Head of Mission in Ethiopia, remarked that the new flight to Abu Dhabi would open new opportunities for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange by connecting the two dynamic capital cities, Addis Ababa and Abu Dhabi. Ethiopian Airlines has long been a proud ambassador for Africa, showcasing commitment to better regional and international connections. He stated that it is a significant step forward in improving air services and creating new opportunities for cooperation and growth between Ethiopia and the UAE.