Dhaka: Africa's largest carrier Ethiopian Airlines marked the launch of flight operations to and from Dhaka, Bangladesh through a grand ceremony held at an elite hotel in the capital on November 3, 2024.

Md Touhid Hossain, Foreign Affairs Adviser, attended the programme virtually as the chief guest. In a video message, the Foreign Adviser emphasised the significance of the new route in fostering growth, highlighting the potential for increased trade, tourism and cultural exchange between Bangladesh and Ethiopia.

Nasrin Jahan, Secretary of Civil Aviation and Tourism; Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan, Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh; Getachew Mengistie Alemayehu, Director General, Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority; and Lemma Yadecha, Group Chief Commercial Officer, Ethiopian Airlines, also spoke on the occasion as special guests.

The latest international connectivity paves the way for new opportunities and builds important bridges between Bangladesh and Africa's dynamic economies, mentioned Nasrin Jahan while addressing the programme.

CAAB Chairman Bhuiyan expressed optimism for Ethiopian Airlines' impact on Bangladesh's connectivity and growth. According to him, Ethiopian Airlines is widely recognised as Africa's leading carrier, and its entry into Bangladesh marks a promising new chapter for our aviation industry.

In his speech, Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority Director General Alemayehu expressed optimism for the route's impact on socio-economic ties between the two nations aligning with Ethiopian Airlines' motto-Connecting Continents, Cultures and Communities.

He said, the flight launch provides not only a direct link between Bangladesh and Ethiopia but also a gateway to key destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America.

The airline's Group CCO Yadecha, in his address, informed, Ethiopian Airlines offers Bangladeshi travellers seamless access to Africa and beyond, including over 155 destinations across Europe, North America and other continents.

The airline is operating five weekly flights on Addis Ababa-Dhaka-Addis Ababa route with Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner. The new service sees morning departures from Dhaka on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, along with evening departures on Mondays and Fridays.

Managing Director of Rhythm Group (Ethiopian Airlines' General Sales Agent in Bangladesh) Shohag Hossain was also present at the event.

It may be mentioned here, with a fleet of 147 aircraft, Ethiopian Airlines is Africa's largest airline by passenger volume, destinations, fleet size and revenue, and it ranks as the fourth-largest globally in terms of countries served.

Already an established player in South Asia, with routes to Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Karachi, the addition of Dhaka is a strategic advancement in the airline's broader Asian expansion, said a release.

The launch ceremony also featured vibrant cultural performances by African artists and concluded with a gala dinner.