Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest aviation group, today marks 80 years since its inaugural commercial flight in 1946, celebrating eight decades of operational excellence, network growth and aviation innovation. From its first service to Cairo, Ethiopian Airlines has built a global footprint connecting Africa with key markets across Asia, Europe, North America and South America, supported by a modern fleet and an Addis Ababa hub designed for efficient onward connections across the continent.
The anniversary coincides with a period of strong growth in Southeast Asia. As of late 2025, overall travel between Singapore and Africa increased by 57%, while Ethiopian Airlines’ passenger volumes via Singapore rose 87% year on year. The airline expects to carry more than 200,000 travellers from Asia via Singapore to Addis Ababa by the end of 2026, with seamless onward connectivity to over 60 destinations across Africa.
This demand is being supported by Ethiopian Airlines’ expanded schedule of five weekly direct services between Singapore and Addis Ababa, designed to meet growing passenger and cargo requirements while strengthening Singapore’s position as a strategic access point to Africa for corporates, SMEs, investors, and institutions across the region.
“Our 80th anniversary is not only a milestone, it reflects the partnerships that have shaped Ethiopian Airlines since 1946, including the increasingly important links we are building through Singapore and across the Asia–Pacific region. With the growing demands through our Singapore gateway, we are supporting a new phase of Asia–Africa engagement across tourism, investment and trade,” said Enquanhone Minyashal, Regional Manager, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, Ethiopian Airlines.
This growth reinforces Addis Ababa as the key gateway linking Southeast Asia with Africa. It also supports the Group’s Vision 2035 and its commitment in strengthening the Asia-Africa corridor that underpins long-term network growth, expansion in passenger and cargo connectivity.
Ethiopian Airlines continues to invest in fleet modernisation and next-generation capacity to support long-haul connectivity, including ongoing additions to its widebody and narrowbody fleets. The airline’s roadmap includes the planned introduction of electric air taxi operations and the development of the $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport, designed to expand capacity and enhance connectivity over the long term.
