Dhaka: Africa's largest carrier Ethiopian Airlines marked its official entry into Bangladesh with the arrival of its inaugural flight on the Addis Ababa-Dhaka-Addis Ababa route on November 3, 2024.

The significant milestone was celebrated at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the capital as Ethiopian Airlines' flight ET 678, operated by Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner, touched down at 8:30 am, receiving a ceremonial water cannon salute.

The return flight departed Dhaka Airport for Addis Ababa at 9:40 am, initiating regular services between the two capitals.

Operating five weekly flights, Ethiopian Airlines offers Bangladeshi travellers seamless access to Africa and beyond, including over 155 destinations across Europe, North America and other continents, said a release.

The new service will see morning departures from Dhaka on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, along with evening departures on Mondays and Fridays.

Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan welcomed the Ethiopian Airlines delegation, led by Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority Director General Getachew Mengistie Alemayehu, comprising Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Commercial Officer Lemma Yadecha, at Dhaka Airport.

In his remarks at the inaugural ceremony at HSIA's departure lounge, Bhuiyan expressed optimism for Ethiopian Airlines' impact on Bangladesh's connectivity and growth.

"Ethiopian Airlines is widely recognised as Africa's leading carrier, and its entry into Bangladesh marks a promising new chapter for our aviation industry," said Bhuiyan.

Ethiopian Airlines launches flight operations in Bangladesh

CAAB Chairman Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan, Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority DG Getachew Mengistie Alemayehu, Ethiopian Airlines Group CCO Lemma Yadecha, HSIA Executive Director Muhammed Kamrul Islam and GSA Rhythm Group MD Shohag Hossain seen cutting cake to celebrate Ethiopian Airlines’ inaugural flight at Dhaka Airport on November 3—Photo: Monitor

He emphasised the significance of the new route in fostering growth, highlighting the potential for increased trade, tourism and cultural exchange. "This partnership paves the way for new opportunities and builds important bridges between Bangladesh and Africa's dynamic economies," he added.

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, this 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.

"Bangladesh is a dynamic and growing market, and we are confident that our modem fleet and exceptional service will meet the needs of travellers between our two regions," said Yadecha, adding that Ethiopian Airlines is hopeful for operating daily flight to Bangladesh soon.

CAAB's Member (Operations and Planning) Air Commodore Abu Sayeed Mehboob Khan, HSIA's Executive Director Group Captain Muhammed Kamrul Islam and Managing Director of Rhythm Group (Ethiopian Airlines' General Sales Agent in Bangladesh) Shohag Hossain also spoke on the occasion.

Hossain expressed confidence in the route's potential to position Ethiopian Airlines as a top choice for Bangladeshi travellers. "This service opens up the world to Bangladesh, and with competitive fares and an expansive network, we are poised to be a preferred travel partner," he said.

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, concluded the release.