Ethiopia unveils initiative to revolutionize its aviation sector

Addis Ababa, September 3, 2024 (FBC) – The Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority has launched a transformation program that aims to fundamentally transform the aviation sector landscape of the country.

Speaking at the launching event today, Transport and Logistics State Minister Dhenge Boru said the transformation program will enable the Ethiopian civil aviation industry to cope up with the emerging aviation technology and evolve regulatory and policy requirements.

According to him, critical transformation process is vital to establish international competent aviation and prominent regional hub of Africa.

Stressing the need for fundamental changes in infrastructures, technology, policies, regulations, among other areas of improvement, the state minister added that his ministry will provide the necessary support for the successful completion of the transformation program.

Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority Director-General Getachew Mengiste said the reasons behind transforming the aviation industry are to respond to the growing air transport demand, promote economic development, enhance global competitiveness, build resilience against future challenges and to keep pace with emerging technology and trends in the industry.

The director-general explained that the growth of e-commerce and e-logistics, evolving regulatory  and policy requirements as well as issues of environmental sustainability in terms of long-term global aspiration goal, carbon offsetting and reduction scheme for international aviation, operational efficiency, technological improvement, among others, are the other rationales that necessitated the launching of the program.

Moreover, Ethiopia has immense potential in areas of air transport development, maintenance, repair and overhaul, airport development, aerospace manufacturing, general aviation like air ambulance and medical services, air aviation services, environmental sustainability, aviation regulation transformation, and private sector development that help to transform the aviation industry of the country, Getachew emphasized.

He finally urged stakeholders to actively participate in providing the necessary supports for the development and realization of the civil aviation transformation program.  ENA