Ethiopian Airlines opens new route from Addis to Durban

Jul 08, 2016 at 8:19am

Ethiopian Airlines opens new route from Addis to Durban

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest and most profitable airlines in Africa, has commenced a new route to Durban, South Africa.

The route, which is the 3rd destinations in South Africa after Johannesburg and Cape Town, was to support the tourism drive.

Durban is the second largest metropolitan city and the second most important manufacturing hub in South Africa and it is one of the main tourism destinations in Africa because of its warm subtropical climate and extensive beaches.

The new route would offer passengers more choice and flexibility and without doubt facilitate trade investment and tourism ties between Ethiopia and South Africa by extension to Ghana.

Mr. Senzo Mchunu, the Premier of the KwaZula Natal Province said it is the contention that the Airline is charting a new course for Africa aviation industry as the leading carrier on the African continent.

He said by choosing to open the route from Addis Ababa-Durban, the Airline is tapping into previously unreached traffic flows.

"The new route represents a significant step in facilitating prospective investments between our two nations," he added.

He called on citizenry of the continent to take advantage of the opportunity to explore, discover what Durban has on offer as the premium tourist destination in Africa.

Mr. Tewolde Gebremarian, the Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, said management is working to bring Africa together and closer to the world.

He said the Airline was pleased to spread its wings to its third destination in South Africa.

The CEO said the new route will give customers a more convenient connectivity options within to and from the continent.

"We will continue to expand our reach in our markets in Africa with a view to support the continent's socio-economic integration and development," he added.

Ethiopian Airlines, which is the continent's fastest-growing carrier, has access to more than 93 international destinations acro ss five continents with over 200 daily flights using the latest technology aircrafts such as B777 and B 787 Dreamliner.

King Shaka International Airport has the potential to host 7.5-million passengers annually and enough capacity to have more international airlines, he said.

SOURCE: GNA

Source: Ethiopian Airlines opens new route from Addis to Durban