China Southern boosts China-Ethiopia ties with new route, codeshare deal

Dhaka: China Southern Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines have signed a codeshare agreement aimed at deepening cooperation on direct services between China and Ethiopia, alongside extended regional air markets.

The partnership is expected to offer passengers seamless transfers across both networks by leveraging their combined reach, said the African airline in a social media post on October 14.

The codeshare arrives days after China Southern launched a new direct route linking Guangzhou and the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, giving the partnership an immediate route to build on.

The airline's inaugural flight, CZ8095, touched down at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport on October 12, carrying 224 passengers and marking the start of the Guangzhou-Changsha-Addis Ababa service, currently the only service to Ethiopia operated by a Chinese carrier.

The inaugural flight received a traditional water salute at Bole International Airport, with representatives of the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, Ethiopian government institutions, Ethiopian Airlines, the airport, and local media attending the welcoming ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Zeng Yongchao, Executive Vice President of China Southern Air Holding Company, said the route would create business opportunities, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and connect China and Africa toward shared prosperity.

The route will operate twice weekly, on Mondays and Fridays, with the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The return flight, CZ8096, departs Addis Ababa for Guangzhou via Changsha.