Ethiopian: Nigeria Is Not Just A Destination In Our Network, Says GM, Nigeria
The General Manager, Nigeria, Ethiopian Airlines, Mrs. Firiehiwot Mekonnen has said that Nigeria is not just a destination in the airline’s network but “is a valued partner in our journey, a place rich in culture, energy, and opportunity, and a community that has embraced us for decades.”
Speaking today at an event held at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos to celebrate the airline’s 80 years of operations, Mekonnen said “Lagos, Nigeria has been an important part of our story since 1960, and we are especially delighted and truly grateful to celebrate our 80th anniversary here in this vibrant and beautiful city, surrounded by all of you. Ethiopian Airlines has been proudly flying to Nigeria since 1960 marking 65 years of continuous service having begun operations just a month after Nigeria’s independence.
Since then, through every season through growth and challenge, through change and progress we have never stopped flying. That enduring connection is a testament to the strength of our partnership and the deep bond we share with the people of Nigeria.”
She further said “eighty years ago, on April 8, 1946, a single flight departed from Addis Ababa bound for Cairo, carrying with it not just passengers, but the bold promise and bright future of African aviation aboard a Douglas C-47 aircraft. Though the beginning was humble, it was driven by unwavering commitment, vision, and dedication. That pioneering flight marked the dawn of a new era for African aviation under the proud name Ethiopian Air Lines three simple words that would grow to carry extraordinary meaning.
Today, that name stands tall as a global aviation leader, connecting Africa to the world and beyond. The five C-47 aircraft that once symbolized our beginnings have grown into a fleet of more than 140 ultra-modern aircraft and still expanding. What began with a single destination, Cairo, has flourished into a vast network of 144 destinations worldwide. Today, we are Ethiopian Airlines Group an entire aviation ecosystem encompassing passenger and cargo services, Ground Services, MRO, Ethiopian Airports, Aviation University, In-flight Catering, and the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel.
Today, Ethiopian Airlines is more than just an airline it is a proud symbol of resilience, ambition, and success. As we like to say, we are 80 years young because our passion, our drive, and our commitment to excellence remain as strong and vibrant as they were on the day of our very first flight. While we celebrate how far we have come, we are even more inspired by how far we will go.
As we mark this 80-year milestone, we also look ahead with renewed optimism and bold ambition. The aviation industry continues to evolve, and Ethiopian Airlines remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and delivering exceptional experiences to our valued passengers.
This incredible journey has been made possible by the dedication and hard work of our management and entire staff of Ethiopian airlines, the enduring trust of our passengers, and the invaluable support of our partners. This achievement belongs to all of us it is truly a shared success. As we celebrate our legacy today, let us also embrace this moment as a renewed commitment to an even brighter future.”
