History

The airline with the largest fleet and most extensive network is the Addis Ababa based carrier, Ethiopian Airlines. Begun as a showpiece to dispel perceptions of African underdevelopment, the government-owned airline took to the skies in 1946 with the backing of the then US giant, TWA. Its inaugural flight was to Kenya’s capital Nairobi and from its earliest days the airline sought to expand both internationally and domestically. In 1954 Ethiopian Airlines launched its first service to Europe by flying to Athens, with more destinations quickly following. The airline suffered its first two fatal accidents in quick succession, in 1960 and 1961 and has experienced a substantial number of incidents over the decades. Its most infamous crash was the 1986 hijacking which led to the plane running out of fuel and ditching into the ocean off the Comoros Islands. Despite the loss of life, the pilot was praised for his skilful handling of the situation. During the 1980’s Ethiopia’s communist government was severely criticised for prioritising its airline above famine victims. In 2011 the airline joined Star Alliance. Today Ethiopia’s economy is the fastest growing in Africa and the nation’s flag carrier has a huge international and domestic network and is Africa’s largest freight carrier too.

On-Board Service

Ethiopian Airlines’ staff are very customer focused and take pride in their prestigious jobs. Crew have real personality and are eager to help.

Network

The airline has an extensive domestic network connecting practically every significant airport in Ethiopia with its capital Addis Ababa. Internationally the airline also has a network far beyond the needs of the country which shows they rely on international travellers to fill seats. Through its hub in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Airlines can often be the best connection - for example flying from Beijing, China to Windhoek, Namibia - Ethiopian provides the best connections.

Price

Ethiopian Airlines is a very competitively priced carrier and is good value for money.

Catering

The airline is a full service carrier with all passengers being provided with a meal on international flights, or a snack on shorter domestic routes. Meal sizes are standard for legacy airlines and the menu is generally of an international generic type, rather than representative of African cuisine. In the airline’s Business Class, called Cloud Nine, there are Western meal choices and Ethiopian choices. Alcohol is served on most routes.

Entertainment

Larger aircraft have individual entertainment units on set backs with dozens of channels to choose from. The airlines’ inflight magazine, Selamta, has an interesting collection of articles about the mysterious land of Ethiopia and destinations the airline flights to.

Ground Service and baggage

Check-in procedures are efficient in Ethiopia, however throughout Africa baggage theft is a real danger. Not only do baggage handlers open and take things out of bags, but in other cases entire bags will be stolen. Don’t put valuables in bags, make sure they’re locked, plastic shrink wrapped and of course, use Travel Insurance.

Premium Classes & Lounges

Ethiopian Airlines’ Cloud Nine is certainly a lot better than Economy, however its not particularly luxurious when compared with more prestigious airlines. Seats are spacious, catering is larger and more varied but many of finer touches are lacking - such as minimal toiletry kits, tired looking blankets etc. On occasions Cloud Nine seats look like they’re in need to a good cleaning. The airlines’ Cloud Nine Lounges at several of their main airports resemble an hotel lobby with catering.

Economy Class

Ethiopian Airlines is either the best or close to the best African airline for Economy passengers. The airline is generous with baggage, provides a tasty meal by friendly crew and is generally punctual and reliable. Its also cheap and passengers earn frequent flyer points. The airline also has an exotic feel about it which feels a little special.

Frequent Flyer Programme

The airline’s own ShebaMiles loyalty scheme is generally of use to residents of Ethiopia, however as the airline is a member of Star Alliance, it means their frequent flyer membership can potentially earn points all around the world. As the airline serves far more than just Ethiopia, if you intend travelling where they fly, you could give them some consideration. In comparison with other more comprehensive loyalty programmes, such as Lufthansa’s Miles & More, ShebaMiles doesn't compare favourably.

Corporate Culture

As a government owned airline, Ethiopian Airlines has historically been run by managers with connections to the ruling regime. Despite this the airline is efficiently run and staff are conscious of the fact that their flag carrier is a symbol of the country to the world. The outrageous corruption which plagues most African airlines, is essentially absent from Ethiopian.

Safety

Historically the airline has had a disturbing number of incidents, accidents and loss of life. However in the 21st century the airline has invested heavily in new modern aircraft, maintenance and crew training. The reality today is that Ethiopian is one of Africa’s most reliable airlines; comparable to any North American or European carrier.

Ethiopian Airlines - Rating

The flag carrier of an ancient and exotic land, which provides great value for money.

www.ethiopianairlines.com