Ethiopian Airlines Celebrates 78th Anniversary at Akwaaba African Travel Market, Unveils New Aircraft for Lagos

Ethiopian Airlines Celebrates 78th Anniversary at Akwaaba African Travel Market, Unveils New Aircraft for Lagos

Ethiopian Airlines marked its 78th anniversary in grand style at the 20th Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos, showcasing its remarkable journey and future innovations. 

The event was headlined by a presentation from the airline’s Sales Manager, Mrs. Adetola Alabi, titled “Ethiopian Airlines: Past, Present, & Future Innovations for Continued Leadership in Aviation.”

The presentation not only celebrated the airline’s rich history but also unveiled exciting advancements in the near future, including the introduction of the Airbus A350-1000 to its Lagos operations.

Mrs. Alabi made a major announcement, revealing that Ethiopian Airlines would soon welcome the state-of-the-art Airbus A350-1000 to its Lagos fleet in November. 

This addition is set to transform the travel experience for Nigerian passengers, providing unparalleled luxury, comfort, and cutting-edge technology.

The Airbus A350-1000 boasts a spacious cabin, offering wider seats and increased legroom, promising a premium travel experience. 

Equipped with advanced entertainment systems, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a quieter, smoother flight, the aircraft represents a significant step forward in the airline’s ongoing mission to enhance passenger satisfaction.

Ethiopian Airlines has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Nigeria, having operated in the country since its independence in 1960. 

Despite various challenges over the decades, including the Nigerian Civil War, the airline has remained a steadfast presence in the region.

Mrs. Alabi highlighted several key milestones that underscore Ethiopian Airlines’ resilience and growth:

International Expansion: Ethiopian Airlines launched its first international flight to Cairo in 1946, laying the foundation for what has grown into a robust global network.

Vision 2035: The airline has ambitious goals to become one of the top 20 aviation groups globally by 2035, aiming to serve 209 international destinations and 31 domestic routes with a fleet of 271 aircraft.

Commitment to Nigeria: Today, Ethiopian Airlines operates from four key Nigerian cities – Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Enugu – providing connectivity to over 140 international destinations.

Award-Winning Service: The airline’s dedication to excellence has been recognised globally, with notable accolades such as the U.S. President’s Lifetime Achievement Award and being named Best Airline in Africa for seven consecutive years.

As Ethiopian Airlines continues to innovate and expand, it remains dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its passengers and playing a pivotal role in advancing African aviation. 

The introduction of the Airbus A350-1000 symbolises the beginning of a new chapter for the airline, bringing with it a new era of travel for Nigerian passengers.

With this latest addition, Ethiopian Airlines is poised to continue its legacy of excellence, offering enhanced travel experiences while strengthening its position as a leader in the aviation industry.

Tersoo Agber

Journalist, Travel enthusiast, PR consultant, Content manager/editor, Online publisher.