Manchester Airport secures landmark route into the heart of Africa
Ethiopian Airlines has announced it is extending its UK network to include Manchester Airport (MAN/EGCC) from 1st December 2018.
The four-times-per-week flight will be operated by a 2-class Boeing 787 Dreamliner and whilst Addis Ababa (ADD/HAAB) to Manchester will be direct, the Manchester to Addis Ababa sector will go via Brussels (BRU/EBBR).
The route into the heart of Africa will make onward connections available to 58 countries across the African continent.
Manchester Airport CEO Andrew Cowan said: “The introduction of this route underlines the critical role Manchester Airport plays in connecting the people and businesses of the North to the world’s most important markets.
“While we have served a number of African holiday destinations for many years, this service will provide vital connectivity to one of the continent’s most important hub airports.
“That will unlock dozens more destinations across Africa through Ethiopian Airlines’ unrivalled network, meaning the North will be better connected to this part of the world than ever before.”
Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Tewolde Gebremariam said: “We are elated to start services to Manchester, our second destination in the UK next to London Heathrow which we have been serving since 1973. As the leading African carrier with the widest network in the continent, passengers from Manchester will enjoy convenient and seamless connectivity options to 58 African destinations operated with cutting-edge fleet like the B-787 and A350 which offer our passengers unparalleled comfort on-board our flights, along with our African flavoured Ethiopian hospitality.”
“The socio-economic implication of the new flight is immense. With vast investment and trade potentials between Africa and the UK, the upcoming flight holds the promise of boosting trade, investment and tourism with ample business opportunities for investors and business people from both regions.”
Ethiopian Airline is arguably the best managed airline in Africa these days. How they have grown their fleet and expanded their route network is a shining light to all.