Ethiopian Airlines: Passengers Surge 21% in 2017

• Ethiopian Airlines: Passengers Surge 21% in 2017

Ethiopian Airlines recorded a surge in its passengers during the 2017/2018 fiscal year.

The details published in its financial performance statement for the year showed the total number of passengers grew by 21 percent to 10.6 million, crossing the 10 million mark for the first time in the airline’s history.

During the period, the airline opened eight new international destinations including Geneva (Switzerland), Chicago (USA), Bahrain, Kaduna (Nigeria), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Kisangani and Mbuji-Mayi (Democratic Republic of Congo) and Nosy-Be (Madagascar).

Freight grew by 18 percent from a year ago to 400,339 tons, according to the Group Chief Executive Officer, Tewolde GebreMariam.

A total of 14 new aircraft were added during the period, averaging more than one aircraft per month.

Similarly, operating revenue grew by 43 percent from a year ago to 89.1 billion Ethiopian birr (ETB), while net profit stood at 6.8 billion ETB.

According to the CEO, the airline was given a four-star rating by SKYTRAX, a leading customer service rating organization in the airline industry, “putting it on par with other global airlines. SKYTRAX also recognized Ethiopian as Best Airline in Africa; Best Business Class in Africa and Best Economy Class in Africa.”

“Ethiopian reached and passed the 100th aircraft in service milestone during the year, becoming the first African airline in history to do so”.

Speaking on the success so far, GebreMariam said: “It was an exceptional year for Ethiopian with a record performance in financial, operational, commercial and customer service areas.”

“This historical performance is, due first and foremost, to the commitment, hard work and competence of my 16,000 colleagues with each one of them at all echelons of the company playing a critical role in this success.”