Ethiopian Airlines Shining Example for Cargo, Logistics Handling Capabilities: AFRAA

Addis Ababa, June 27, 2023 (FBC) – Ethiopian Airlines Group has invested heavily on infrastructure, people and processes to enhance its special cargo and logistics handling capabilities throughout its network, the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) told the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA).

AFRAA Secretary General, Abderahmane Berthe, appreciated the Ethiopian Airlines for being a shining example in its achievement on the implementation of cargo and logistics.

The Ethiopian Airlines Cargo and Logistics services carries out the transportation of special cargo like medical products, live animals and perishable products in compliance with international and industry standards, he elaborated.

Berthe indicated that the AFRAA is committed to working together with Ethiopian Airlines for the development of Africa’s aviation industry.

“We sincerely appreciate and support Ethiopian Airlines’ determination to join the continent through their hubs and multiple routes, playing an important role in uniting the continent. For this, we are working together with them and the relevant parties,” he said.

He noted the flagship projects of Agenda 2063—the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are the most important elements to allow airlines to fly freely everywhere in the continent.

He believes that the African passport and free movement of people initiative are very supportive for the objectives of African airlines.

He added the initiative will remove border restrictions and foster continental integration by promoting free movement of Africans within the continent.

The secretary general also said that one of the problems of African airlines is traffic restrictions, adding that flying from one African country to another African destination requires obtaining a special permit.

In similar development, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Marie Owens Thomsen mentioned obstacles that are preventing the African aviation industry from growing as expected.

“Infrastructure constraints, high costs, lack of connectivity, regulatory impediments, slow adoption of global standards and skills shortages … are all contributory factors to African airlines’ viability and sustainability, ”she elaborated.

She also said that Ethiopian Airlines Group is developing rapidly by overcoming the challenges that the aviation industry is facing and it is an example of success that is connecting Africa and the rest of the world.

She urged African airlines to use their potentials and work together and develop the aviation sector in Africa.