Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways have formalized a Joint Business Agreement (JBA) aimed at enhancing connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
The deal, signed today in Addis Ababa, includes a comprehensive codeshare arrangement and introduces new direct flights between Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, and Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s hub.
Ethiopian Airlines is set to launch its inaugural flights to Abu Dhabi on July 15, while Etihad Airways will begin daily services to Addis Ababa on October 1.
Ethiopian Airlines, which has long been a dominant force in Africa’s aviation sector, operates a comprehensive network across the continent, and the new partnership strengthens its position as a key player in the region’s growing air travel market.
The airline already runs multiple weekly flights to Entebbe International Airport, Uganda’s main gateway, offering a crucial link between East Africa and the rest of the world.
Ethiopian Airlines operates daily flights between Addis Ababa and Entebbe, reinforcing its status as a leader in both passenger and cargo services throughout the region.
At the signing ceremony, Lieutenant General Yilma Merdassa, Chairman of the Ethiopian Airlines Group Board, emphasized that the agreement represents a new chapter in Ethiopia’s relationship with the UAE.
“This partnership will significantly elevate our ties with the UAE,” Merdassa said.
“It is an exciting milestone not just for Ethiopian Airlines, but for our country and the entire African continent. Through this agreement, we aim to provide seamless and efficient travel options that benefit our passengers and strengthen the economic and cultural exchange between our nations.”
The collaboration between Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways is not only designed to offer greater convenience for travellers but also to bolster regional aviation growth.
Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, described the agreement as “historic,” highlighting its potential to create new opportunities for the airline and its passengers.
“This partnership opens the door for unprecedented growth in connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia,” Tasew said.
“It marks the first joint venture for Ethiopian Airlines, a testament to our commitment to strategic global partnerships that deliver lasting benefits to our passengers and the airline industry as a whole.”
Etihad Airways’ CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, also shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, praising Ethiopian Airlines for its industry leadership and “gold standard” service.
“Ethiopian Airlines has long been recognized as a pioneer in African aviation,” Neves said.
“Their agility, cultural integrity, and commitment to excellence have made them an ideal partner for Etihad Airways. Together, we will offer world-class services that deliver convenience, flexibility, and value to our customers.”
The new flights between Addis Ababa and Abu Dhabi will enhance the travel experience for passengers traveling between East Africa and the Middle East.
The introduction of direct services not only provides more efficient routes but also creates greater flexibility for business travelers, tourists, and cargo shippers alike.
Additionally, the expanded network will facilitate stronger economic ties between Ethiopia, Uganda, and the UAE, while driving trade and investment opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, technology, and infrastructure.
Ethiopian Airlines’ strong presence in Uganda is expected to further benefit from this partnership, as the airline continues to be a vital link between East Africa and international destinations.
The increased connectivity will promote tourism, improve trade flow, and enhance Uganda’s position as a growing hub for business in the region.
Ethiopian Airlines is already one of the most recognized international carriers in Uganda, with multiple weekly flights between Addis Ababa and Entebbe.
The new partnership with Etihad Airways will only reinforce this connectivity and provide passengers with even more travel options.
The JBA is also expected to drive substantial growth in cargo transport, offering more efficient shipping routes for goods moving between the UAE, Ethiopia, Uganda, and beyond.
The increased capacity for air cargo will be pivotal for industries looking to access global markets, particularly for exports from Africa to the Middle East and Asia.