Addis Ababa – Ethiopian Airlines reported a significant surge in revenue and cargo operations during the first half of its current fiscal year, despite ongoing operational challenges stemming from geopolitical instability and global uncertainties. The airline’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mesfin Tasew, announced the results to journalists in Addis Ababa on Wednesday, .
According to Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines generated 4.4 billion U.S. Dollars in revenue during the six-month period, exceeding internal projections and representing a 2 percent increase over planned targets. This figure also marks a 14 percent growth compared to the revenue earned during the same period last year. “In terms of revenue, we generated 4.4 billion U.S. Dollars during the first half of the current fiscal year. The revenue is 2 percent higher than the plan and showed a 14 percent growth compared to the revenue earned during the same period last year,” Tasew stated.
The airline’s cargo division also demonstrated robust performance, transporting 451,000 tonnes of freight over the same period. This reinforces Addis Ababa’s growing prominence as a key logistical hub for the African continent. The substantial cargo volume underscores Ethiopia’s ambition to become a major player in regional and international trade networks.
However, Tasew cautioned that Ethiopian Airlines is facing increasing operational pressures. He cited a confluence of factors impacting the industry, including aircraft shortages, adverse weather conditions and ongoing geopolitical conflicts. These challenges are creating a complex operating environment for the airline, requiring careful management and strategic adaptation.
Specifically, Tasew highlighted the impact of United States visa policies under the previous administration of President Donald Trump. These policies, which restricted entry and limited visa issuance for travellers from certain countries, particularly in Africa, have disrupted flight schedules and reduced frequencies on some routes. “U.S. Policies have forced us to reschedule flights, which reduced the number of frequencies on some routes,” Tasew explained, adding that domestic security concerns within Ethiopia also contribute to operational difficulties.
Ethiopian Airlines’ performance comes amid a period of significant change and competition within the African aviation sector. The airline has been actively expanding its fleet and network, seeking to capitalize on the growing demand for air travel across the continent. Its strategic location in Addis Ababa, a major transportation hub, provides a competitive advantage, allowing it to connect passengers and cargo between Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
The airline’s success in cargo operations is particularly noteworthy, reflecting the increasing importance of air freight in facilitating trade and economic growth in Africa. The 451,000 tonnes transported represents a significant contribution to the continent’s supply chains, supporting the movement of goods and services across borders.
Despite the challenges, Ethiopian Airlines remains optimistic about its future prospects. The airline is investing in new technologies and infrastructure to improve efficiency and enhance the passenger experience. This proves also actively pursuing partnerships with other airlines to expand its network and offer more seamless travel options. The airline’s ability to navigate these challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities will be crucial to its continued success in the dynamic African aviation market.
The impact of U.S. Visa policies, as highlighted by Tasew, underscores the broader geopolitical factors that can influence the aviation industry. Restrictions on travel and visa issuance can disrupt flight schedules, reduce passenger demand, and negatively impact airline revenues. This highlights the importance of international cooperation and open travel policies to support the growth of the aviation sector.
Ethiopian Airlines’ experience also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by airlines operating in regions affected by conflict and instability. Security concerns and logistical difficulties can disrupt operations and increase costs. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach, involving collaboration between airlines, governments, and security agencies.
