Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline and a Star Alliance member, is set to make its official entry into Bangladesh with the arrival of its inaugural flight on the new Addis Ababa-Dhaka-Addis Ababa route on Sunday.
The launch of this route will significantly enhance Bangladesh’s connectivity with Africa and the world, aligning with Ethiopian Airlines’ mission to “Connect Continents, Cultures, and Communities,” the airlines authority hopes.
The airline will operate five flights weekly, offering travelers from Bangladesh convenient access to over 155 destinations worldwide, including all key cities across Africa, Europe, North America, and beyond.
The inaugural flight, ET 678, will be operated by a state-of-the-art Boeing Dreamliner 787-9, scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) at 8:30 am on November 3, with a return departure to Addis Ababa at 9:40 am the same day.
Regular flights on this route will depart Dhaka in the mornings on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, with additional evening departures on Mondays and Fridays.
Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), will attend he launch ceremony at HSIA, along with Ethiopian Airlines’ Group Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Lemma Yadecha.
“Bangladesh is a vibrant and rapidly expanding market, and we are confident that our modern fleet and exceptional service will meet the travel needs between our two regions,” said Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, in a message marking the occasion.
He noted that the launch of Ethiopian Airlines’ new service connecting Bangladesh and Ethiopia will greatly enhance socio-economic ties between the two nations and extend benefits to the broader region.
“This is more than just a flight; it is an opportunity to bring Bangladesh and the world closer together,” said Shohag Hossain, Managing Director of Rhythm Group, Ethiopian Airlines’ General Sales Agent in Bangladesh.
“With competitive fares and a vast global network, Ethiopian Airlines is set to become a preferred choice for Bangladeshi travelers,” he added.
With a fleet of 147 aircraft, Ethiopian Airlines holds the title of Africa’s largest airline by passenger volume, fleet size, and revenue, and ranks as the fourth largest globally in terms of countries served. Already a major player in South Asia with destinations including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, and Karachi, the addition of Dhaka is a significant step in the airline’s Asian expansion strategy.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
