Ethiopian Airlines announced that it has finalized preparations to start new services to Tokyo Narita International Airport in April 20, 2015, in codeshare partnership with fellow Star Alliance member, All Nippon Airways.
The thrice weekly flight, the only direct connection between Africa and Japan, will be operated through Hong Kong with the ultra-modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which offers customers the best on-board comfort with the biggest windows in the sky, high ceiling , less noise than any aircraft with less carbon footprint, and higher cabin humidity ideal for long haul travel.
Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group, Ato Tewolde Gebremariam, said: “As the only direct service between Africa and Japan, our flights to Narita will give our customers the best possible connectivity options and will be critical role in enabling greater people-to-people, investment, trade and tourism ties between a rising Africa, the second fastest growing region in the world, and a highly industrialized Japan, the third largest economy in the world.”
Tokyo is one of the world’s most populous metropolis and serves as Japan’s political, economic and cultural hub. Japan is the world’s third largest economy and one of the main financial and economic centers with growing investment, trade and tourism ties with Africa. Ethiopian flights to Tokyo will enable the strengthening of investment, trade, tourism and people-to-people ties between Africa and Japan.
Ethiopian currently serves 84 international destinations across 5 continents with over 200 daily departures.