Ethiopian Airlines will continue its scheduled operations to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, despite the recent withdrawal by some Airlines out of Lagos and Abuja.
Mr. Solomon Begashaw, Country Area Manager Nigeria, remarked:
“As a veteran Pan-African carrier it has always been our source of pride to serve our beloved continent, Africa, both in good and bad times. Our presence in Nigeria dates back to the 1960’s, same time the Federal Republic of Nigeria got independence from foreign colonization.
“Ethiopian has been part of Nigeria’s historic growth and always considers itself as a partner in the history and growth of Nigeria as a country. Hence, the Management of Ethiopian Airlines wishes to clarify its stance of pursuing its operation to Nigeria and keep Nigerian travelers connected to five continents around the globe. As an indigenous Pan-African Carrier, Ethiopian Airlines will remain with the Nigerian public in good and bad times like it has always done in the past 50 years.
“Ethiopian has been in the highs and lows of Nigeria; all through the crisis periods of Nigeria and also during the last Economic crisis, providing the link between Nigeria and the outside world there by showing its African solidarity.”
Currently, Ethiopian serves the Nigerian travelers from four Airports of Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Kano.
To reinforce its support to Nigeria, Ethiopian is offering to hire Nigerian pilots for its ever growing fleet of Boeing 777, Boeing 787, Boeing 737 and Dash 8 Q-400 Aircraft, train more Nigerians in its aviation academy, which is the largest in Africa.
Besides, Ethiopian Airlines had always served Nigeria with the best Aircraft in its fleet like the Airbus A350, Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Boeing 777.
“In the Spirit of African brotherhood, Ethiopian Airlines does not wish to be in Nigeria only when the going is good, rather, make sacrifices along with Nigerians in this trying time knowing that Nigerians are resilient and resourceful and will soon come out of the temporary recession”, the airline said.