Africa's largest and most profitable airline network.
Founded
1945
Headquarters
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Alliance
Star Alliance
Ethiopian Airlines is the flag carrier of Ethiopia and the largest airline in Africa by fleet size, revenue, and passengers carried. Founded in 1945, it has grown from a small domestic carrier into a major international airline serving over 125 destinations across five continents.
The airline is fully state-owned and headquartered at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, which serves as its primary hub. Ethiopian Airlines is widely regarded as one of the best-managed airlines in Africa and has maintained profitability through periods when many African carriers struggled.
As a member of the Star Alliance since 2011, Ethiopian Airlines plays a central role in connecting the African continent to the rest of the world. The airline also operates one of the youngest and most modern fleets among African carriers, with a strong focus on fuel efficiency and sustainability.
Hubs & network
Ethiopian Airlines operates its primary hub at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD), with secondary hubs in Lomé, Togo and Lilongwe, Malawi.
Fleet
Ethiopian Airlines operates a modern fleet that includes Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Boeing 777s, Boeing 737s, and Airbus A350s, among other aircraft types.
Notable facts
- ›Ethiopian Airlines was the second airline in the world to operate the Boeing 787 Dreamliner in revenue service in 2012.
- ›The airline has been profitable for most of its history, a rarity among African flag carriers.
- ›Ethiopian Airlines holds majority stakes in multiple African airlines, including ASKY Airlines and Malawian Airlines.
- ›The airline operates one of the largest aviation training academies in Africa, the Ethiopian Aviation Academy.
- ›Ethiopian Airlines serves as a major connecting hub between Africa, Asia, and Europe, leveraging Addis Ababa's central geographic location.
This profile is provided for general information only. Contact details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airline's official website before acting on them.
