Ethiopian Airlines from a very humble beginning to becoming a leading African aviation group, Ethiopian Airlines has had more than 75 years of successful journey. Of course, Ethiopian is ageing beautifully. Ethiopian began operating in 1946 during its first flight to Cairo via Asmara.


Since then, Ethiopian has been growing by leaps and bounds with so many firsts in the history of African aviation as a leader in aircraft technology, following its motto of bringing Africa together and beyond Ethiopian serves more destinations in Africa than any other airline. Here are five interesting facts you probably didn't know about Ethiopian Airlines.

5. Ethiopian Airlines is Africa's Largest Airline

  Ethiopian Airlines is the largest airline in Africa in terms of passengers carried destination served fleet size and revenue. Ethiopian is also the fourth largest airline in the world by the number of countries it serves. Ethiopian Airlines is also the largest in Africa in terms of cargo fleet, Ethiopian cargo and logistics services has been crowned African cargo airline of the year and African Air Cargo brand of the Year awards on several occasions by 2025. The cargo service is expected to become a full fledged profit Centre for Ethiopian Airlines Group.

4. Ethiopian Airlines is a four star Airline

  Ethiopian is one of the best airlines in Africa. In 2017, Ethiopian Airlines was awarded as best airline in Africa by Skytrax for the first time, a title South African Airways was subscribed to for 14 consecutive years. The Addis Ababa based carrier also overtook the South African counterpart in terms of fleet size passenger carried in in revenue, turning it into the best African airline. Ethiopian Airlines is also certified as a four star airline for the quality of its airport and onboard product and staff service.

3.The first African carrier to fly to China

  Part of Ethiopian Airlines big success is the strategic network between China and Ethiopia, which was launched in 1973. With the airlines first flight to Shanghai. The geocentric location advantage of the hub in Addis Ababa makes it the shortest route for Chinese business travellers to Ethiopia. From where they continue to fly to more than 62 additional cities in Africa. It also offers the fastest connection between Mainland China and South America. Currently, Ethiopian Airlines operates flights to Beijing. Shanghai, Chengdu, Hong Jo and Guangzhou.

2.The first African airline to operate an Airbus A 350

  Ethiopian Airlines took delivery of its first Airbus A 350 on June 28 2016, making it Africa's first operator of the type. It is also the Addis Ababa based carriers first ever Airbus in its 76 year long history. The A 350 is the world's latest widebody aeroplane and also the most advanced aeroplane in the world. The East African airline has continued to fly and create new business since the outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic and the 350 as part of this success during the corona crisis, Ethiopian used its entire a 350 900 fleet for cargo operations.

1.First 787 Dreamliner operator in Africa

  Ethiopian was the first African and second in the world to operate the Boeing 787 Dreamliner in 2012. Leading the way once again Ethiopian was the first African airline to operate the latest Boeing 7879 and 2017 Ethiopian Airlines was not only the first Boeing Dreamliner operator in Africa, but also has the largest Boeing 787 fleet on the continent. With 27 aircrafts being operated from him to Addis Ababa. So there you have it. Those were the five most interesting facts you probably didn't know about Ethiopian Airlines.


Thanks for reading. share and follow us!