Staff Reporter :
Ethiopian Airlines, recognized as Africa’s leading airliner, has officially launched its direct flight on Addis Ababa-Dhaka-Addis Ababa route with the arrival of its inaugural flight on Sunday, with a view to boosting trade and tourism.
The Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner, designated flight ET678, landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8:40am, greeted by a ceremonial water salute.
The return flight to Addis Ababa departed Dhaka at 9:40am.
The airline will operate regular flights on this route every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday mornings, with additional flights scheduled on Mondays and Fridays.
The Ethiopian delegation, led by Getachew Mengist, Director General of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, and Lemma
Yadecha, Chief Commercial Officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group, was welcomed by Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan, Chairman of the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA), who served as the chief guest.
In his address, the chief guest described the day as historic, highlighting Ethiopian Airlines’ recognition as Africa’s premier carrier and the opening of a new chapter in Bangla-desh’s aviation industry.
He expressed optimism that this development would enhance trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two countries, ultimately contributing to economic growth.
He also noted Ethiopia’s role as Africa’s gateway, facilitating easier connections with countries in Europe and the Americas, thereby expanding travel and business opportunities.
Additional remarks were made by Getachew Mengist, Lemma Yadecha, Air Commodore Abu Sayeed Mehboob Khan of BCAA, Group Captain M Kamrul Islam, Executive Director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, and Sohag Hossain, Managing Director of Rhythm Group, the general sales agent for Ethiopian Airlines in Bangladesh.
Following the formalities, officials engaged in discussions with media representatives about the new route’s potential, its economic implications, and future plans.
They expressed confidence that Ethiopian Airlines’ presence would enrich Bangladesh’s international connectivity and positively impact the country’s trade and tourism sectors.
The launch event was attended by BCAA officials, various dignitaries from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, and a substantial number of media personnel, marking a significant milestone in international aviation for Bangladesh.