Ethiopian Airlines plans to establish new carrier in Central Africa

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The management of Ethiopian Airlines is planning to establish a new African carrier, which will serve south and central Africa, a senior executive of the airline told the English weekly The Reporter.

The executive said that the airline anticipates attracting potential investors such as South African Airways and Egypt Air, who would invest in the planned airline. However, the detail work plans have yet to be developed, the official confirmed.

Ethiopian holds a 40 percent stake in ASKY, the multinational airline based in Lome, Togo.  ASKY, which became operational in 2009, is operated by Ethiopian via a five-year management contract. According to the board of directors of the company, the airline that primarily serves West Africa has become successful.

The ASKY network currently covers 19 destinations in 17 countries in West and Central Africa. The carrier operates three Boeing 737-700s and one Bombardier Q400 and it plans to develop the airline with several aircraft every year.

Ethiopian has already ordered five additional Bombardier Q400 aircraft of which three would be operated by ASKY. Ethiopian previously acquired eight Bombardier Q400, with leased to ASKY.