Ethiopian Airlines now holds a 35 percent market share in Africa’s cargo aviation industry, according to a recent report from the African Finance Corporation (AFC). The airline increased its annual cargo capacity from 266,000 tons in 2016 to 715,000 tons by 2023.
The AFC report also identifies persistent gaps in air transport within Africa. In regions such as West Africa, European carriers still control most passenger and freight traffic.
The next closest competitors, Royal Air Maroc and Kenyan Airways hold only 25 percent of the cargo market, demonstrating a glaring lack of competition.
The report encourages other African nations to follow Ethiopia’s and Kenya’s lead in leveraging their national airlines to boost export trade.
Currently, Ethiopian Airlines serves 60 international destinations, half of which are in Africa, and has 16 cargo-only aircraft. By 2035, the airline intends to increase its cargo fleet to 37 aircraft, demonstrating its sustained dedication to the industry.
Ethiopia’s progress in digital infrastructure
The report also highlights Ethiopia’s progress in digital infrastructure, citing the country’s growing telecom service user base and rising digital technology adoption as examples. As a result of these developments, the nation is now positioned as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.
Notwithstanding these advancements, the AFC notes that inadequate infrastructure is a key barrier to the expansion and competitiveness of Africa’s aviation industry. It is believed that addressing these constraints is essential to releasing additional potential.
The report also identifies other high-potential industries throughout the continent, including mining, agriculture, logistics, and digital infrastructure. Ethiopia is the leading wheat producer in sub-Saharan Africa, with 650,000 hectares of wheat grown in 2023 compared to 5,000 hectares in 2018.
Ethiopian Airlines marks 50th anniversary of Kigali operations
Ethiopian Airlines, the top airline in Africa, commemorated the 50th anniversary of its first flight to Kigali, Rwanda. The company announced on Sunday.
As a crucial link between Ethiopia and Rwanda and beyond, the airline has been instrumental in fostering diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between the two countries since it began operating the Addis Ababa–Kigali route in 1975.
Speaking at the event, the Group CEO said, “We are excited to reach such a milestone. Over 50 years of service to Kigali, we have expanded both our passenger and cargo operations, with increasedfrequencies for the benefit of our customers. This marks another demonstration of Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to serving the people of Africa.”
Ethiopian Airlines significant milestone
Ethiopian Airlines provides easy access to its vast global network of more than 145 destinations across five continents with 21 weekly passenger flights and three dedicated cargo services to Kigali.
The airline’s flights to and fro Kigali give passengers effective ways to get to places all over the world, with easy connections at its hub in Addis Ababa.
The continent’s biggest network operator is essential to linking Africa’s diverse countries with the rest of the world and with each other. Thanks to the airlines’ growing network, Africa and major economic cities are becoming more connected.
In addition to facilitating vital diplomatic and cultural exchange, Ethiopian Airlines’ flights promote intra-African trade and tourism.
The airline company spreads its influence throughout Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East, as well as important economic and cultural hubs.