Africa’s leading carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, on Wednesday, celebrated its 80th anniversary at a colourful event at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, even amid unbroken service between Nigeria and Ethiopia for 65 years.
The event was attended by the crème de la crème of the aviation sector who took turns to speak about their experience with the airline over the years.
From a single route in 1946 to a global aviation powerhouse operating over 140 aircraft across 144 destinations worldwide, with 65 years of excellent service in Nigeria, stakeholders spoke glowingly about the airline’s legacy and contribution to African aviation.
Firiehiewot Mekonnen, the airline’s General Manager for Nigeria, said the anniversary is a celebration of resilience, vision, and sustained excellence.
Tracing the airline’s origins to April 8, 1946, when its first flight departed Addis Ababa for Cairo aboard a Douglas C-47 aircraft, she said: “From a humble beginning with just five aircraft, we have grown into a global aviation group. Today, we are 80 years young, driven by innovation, passion, and commitment to excellence”.
Also speaking, Airport Manager of Murtala Muhammed Airport and Regional General Manager for Southwest Nigeria, Olatokunbo Arewa, commended the airline’s longevity and partnership with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
“It is a remarkable achievement for any airline to sustain operations for 80 years. Ethiopian Airlines has been a consistent and dependable partner to FAAN and to this airport,” he said.
President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies, Yinka Folami, highlighted the airline’s support for the Nigerian travel trade, particularly during challenging periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the trapped funds crisis.
“Ethiopian Airlines stood with the Nigerian market, maintaining ticket sales in naira and ensuring stability during difficult times. That commitment reflects true excellence,” Folami said.
Chief Mrs. Mobisola Shobayo of Super International Travels Limited praised the airline’s role in enhancing connectivity within Nigeria.
She cited key milestones including additional flights to Abuja, operations to Kaduna during rail disruptions, and increased frequencies out of Lagos.
“Ethiopian Airlines has consistently bridged gaps in connectivity and supported the Nigerian travel ecosystem. We are proud to be associated with such a reliable African airline,” she said.
Earlier, the airline ‘s Manager spoke of the airline’s profound and uninterrupted relationship with the Nigerian market.
Mekonnen emphasized that Nigeria’s contribution has been foundational to the airline’s continental success, noting that operations began in 1960, just one month after Nigeria gained independence.
This 65-year partnership has remained unbroken, with the airline maintaining its flight schedules through every era of growth and challenge in the country.
Describing Nigeria as a “valued partner” rather than just a destination, the General Manager credited the loyalty of the Nigerian traveling public as a primary driver of the airline’s resilience and ambition.
