Ethiopian Airlines, Travelport Renew Partnership Agreement

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (ENA) –  Ethiopian Airlines and Travelport, a business services provider to the travel industry, renewed their long-term Operator Agreement, which enables Ethiopian continue to distribute Travelport’s Galileo products and services in the country, the Airline said.

According to a press release Ethiopian sent to ENA on Thursday, the exclusive five-year agreement cements the longstanding relationship between Ethiopian and Travelport underlines the strategic importance of the East Africa region. According to Travelport figures, Ethiopia represents one of the fastest growing Global Distribution Systems (GDS) industries in Africa, demonstrating a 24% year-on-year growth (2011 to 2012). As a result of the new deal, Galileo customers in Ethiopia will continue to benefit from Ethiopian regional expertise and Travelport’s latest products and solutions including Travelport Smartpoint, the next generation booking tool, which has already gained great popularity among travel agents across the Middle East and Africa.

“Ethiopian Airlines has always enjoyed a successful partnership with Travelport and we look forward to working closely in launching new products and services for travel agents in the country” said CEO of Ethiopian, Tewolde Gebremariam. “Together, Travelport and Ethiopian Airlines will continue to deliver a winning combination of leading technology and regional expertise to benefit the travel agent community in Ethiopia” he added.

“Since starting our operations in Ethiopia in 1997, Travelport has always maintained a strong position here, and this part of Africa remains a highly significant area of investment for us” said Travelport Africa Managing Director, Mark Meehan. “We now look forward to building on our successful relationship with Ethiopian Airlines, bringing new top of the range Travelport products and services to our customers, and continuing to grow Travelport presence in this important part of the world.”

Ethiopian made its maiden international flight to Cairo in 1946 and now the Airline provides dependable services to 70 international destinations spanning four continents. Ethiopian is a multi-award winner for its commitment and contributions towards the development and growth of the African aviation industry and in recognition of its distinguished long-haul operations enhanced by the introduction of new routes and products. Recently, Ethiopian won “Airline Reliability Performance Award” from the Bombardier Aerospace; “African Airline of the Year Award” from Air Transport Quarterly Magazine; “Transformation Award 2012” from Planet Africa Network; “International Diamond Prize for Excellence in Quality” from the European Society for Quality Research (ESQR).