Ethiopian Airlines to Train, Hire Nigerian Pilots

• Ethiopian Airlines to Train, Hire Nigerian Pilots

Ethiopian Airlines says it plans to hire Nigeria pilots for its growing fleet of B777, B787, B737 and Dash 8 Q-400 aircraft, and train more Nigerians in its aviation academy.

The Ethiopian Airlines’ Country Area Manager, Mr. Solomon Begashaw, at a ceremony held in Lagos to mark the carrier’s 70th anniversary, said the airline had always served Nigeria with the best aircraft such as A350, B787 Dreamliner and the B777 wide body.

“Currently, Ethiopian serves the Nigerian travellers from four airports of Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Kano. To reinforce its support for Nigeria, Ethiopian Airlines is offering to hire Nigeria pilots for its ever growing fleet of aircraft and train more Nigerians in its aviation academy, which is the largest in Africa,” he said.

He also said that despite the economic crisis facing the country, the airline had no plans of leaving and would continue its operations.

He added that as part of the celebration to mark its 70 years of existence, the airline was offering free tickets to Nigerians who liked Ethiopian Airlines the Nigeria Facebook page.

Begashaw said, “Ethiopian Airlines, the largest and the leading Pan-African airline wishes to inform its esteemed Nigerian passengers that it will continue its scheduled operations to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, despite the recent withdrawal by some airlines out of Lagos and Abuja.

“As a veteran Pan-African carrier, it has always been our source of pride to serve our beloved continent, Africa, both in good and bad times. Our presence in Nigeria dates back to 1960, same time the Federal Republic of Nigeria got independence. Ethiopian Airlines has been part of Nigeria’s historic growth and always considers itself as a partner in the history and growth of the country.

“Hence, the management of Ethiopian Airlines wishes to clarify its stance of pursuing its operations to Nigeria and keeping Nigerian travellers connected to five continents around the globe. As a Pan-African carrier, Ethiopian Airlines will remain with the Nigerian public in good and bad times like it has always done in the past 50 years.”

According to Begashaw, the airlines does not wish to be in Nigeria only when the going is good, but rather makes sacrifice along with Nigerians in trying times.