By Yemisi Izuora-Lagos
The African Airlines Association has named Ethiopian Airlines as the African Airline of the year.
The airline was crowned Airline of the Year at the AFRAA’s 46th Annual General Assembly held in Algiers early this month.
A statement from Ethiopian airline said the company was chosen for its exceptional results in 2013, consistent profitability and sound strategy, which had enabled it to forge win-win partnerships with fellow African airlines.
It added that this was the third year in a roll that Ethiopian has continued to receive the award from AFRAA.
The Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian Group, Mr. Tewolde Gebremariam, was quoted in the statement as saying, “We also thank our customers for giving us the opportunity to serve them and for travelling on Ethiopian Airlines in great numbers. It is also a testimony of the soundness of our Vision 2025 fast, profitable and sustainable growth strategy.
“Although Africa is registering rapid economic and travel growth, this growth is primarily benefiting non-African carriers. The times are really challenging for African airlines, whose very survival is at risk.”
He advised African airlines to develop their domestic and regional activities.
He said, “First, African carriers must look inwards on the continent to leverage the available internal resources to create synergy through collaborative partnerships. Today, Africa has world-class aviation training centres, MRO facilities and management expertise.
“Secondly, Africa must become one single unified market without any restriction for African airlines. The continued fragmentation of our skies is only benefiting foreign carriers and will lead to our certain demise. African governments must act now and fast to unify African skies, which will also give great impetus to the continent’s economic integration.”
Gebremariam expressed confidence in the ample opportunities for deepening commercial, technical and other types of partnerships among African carriers.
Ethiopian is a global Pan-African carrier currently serving 84 international destinations across five continents with over 200 daily flights using the latest technology aircraft such as the B777s and B787s.
In August 2014, it was also a recipient of the Passenger Choice awards as the Best Airline in Africa in a survey of passengers in the industry.
In 2014, IATA ranked Ethiopian Airlines as the largest airline in Africa in revenue and profit.