Impressive the growth of Ethiopian Airlines and how it became the largest and most profitable airline in all of Africa with the most ultramodern fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A350XWB, Boeing 777 and very soon Boeing 737MAX. What will be the next growth in Ethiopian Airlines routes this 2018 receive two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and 5 Airbus A350XWB



Americas

Rio de Janeiro (GIG): ET abandoned this market a few years ago, but the Brazilian economy has recovered and its partner Avianca Brasil has grown rapidly, this route can start with ADD-GRU-GIG increases its services to GRU with three flights weekly would be fine

Houston (IAH), Montreal (YUL): Two strong Star Alliance territories, ET would connect all oil countries in Africa with Houston, and Montreal with most of the Middle Eastern countries that operate ET, these routes would be very successful.

Miami (MIA): It is one of the cities with a significant population of people of African descent in the United States, and easily ET would connect Johannesburg and Cape Town with Miami where many South Africans visit this city for leisure and business

Europe

Munich (MUC), Copenhagen (CPH), Istanbul (IST): Strong Star Alliance hubs of great connectivity and would strengthen the ET routes network, the German economy grows and the relations with LH & ET are strong and it is a good time to inaugurate Munich, the strong presence of Scandinavia with ET has grown considerably would be excellent option to add Copenhagen

Amsterdam (AMS): one of the main cities in Europe, and many Dutch tourists visit Africa every year, this route is key for ET

Manchester(MAN): ET has grown considerably in the UK, they are even planning a second daily flight to LHR, but MAN would be an interesting addiction to their route network could connect with several cities in India, the Middle East and Southeast Asia

Moscow(SVO): ET in the past flew to Russia, it would be interesting to reconnect this city with the African continent, despite its recession Russia is still a country with a strong economy

Middle East:

Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Amman (AMM): ET is a leading airline in the Middle East, these routes would serve to excellently expand its network of routes

Australia

Melbourne (MEL) and Perth (PER): With the great growth of ET it is a good time to operate kangaroo routes, they already have the ideal fleet Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A350-900, and would connect these important Australian cities with Europe, South America and Africa

Southeast Asian

Ho Chi Minh (SGN) and Jakarta (CGK): For years ET has been interested in starting these routes and possibly both can be operated via Bangkok

Taipei (TPE): A large territory of Star Alliance and Taiwan with a very growing economy, it would be key to add this route and strengthen ET a leading airline in Asia, to start this route it would be convenient to be operated via Hong Kong

Shenzhen (SZX): China has been key in the growth of ET its largest aircraft operate to China, and its most profitable and high density routes are Beijing and Guangzhou, ET already has five destinations in China and adding this sixth city is key the economy in Shenzhen has grown extensively and it is a Star Alliance territory where it operates its companion Shenzhen Airlines where it would connect with more cities in China

I don't see ET coming to GIG anytime soon tbh. Taag struggles to keep their flights here even tagging to GRU, RAM is still consolidating its operations and there are few business ties between Rio and Africa. Moreover, ET seems pretty focused in expanding GRU and EZE since it's becoming daily with 77L in a couple of months.

PRGEC wrote:

I don't see ET coming to GIG anytime soon tbh. Taag struggles to keep their flights here even tagging to GRU, RAM is still consolidating its operations and there are few business ties between Rio and Africa. Moreover, ET seems pretty focused in expanding GRU and EZE since it's becoming daily with 77L in a couple of months.

The difference between ET and other airlines in Africa such as KQ, SAA, TAAG, RAM and MS, ET is very consolidated in the European market, the Middle East and Asia Hub ADD can make enough connections for business and leisure passengers to connect with GIG, a very popular connection in ET is CAN-ADD-GRU as well as TLV-ADD-GRU or BEY-ADD-GRU, even EZE is opened by connections with TLV and Asia

IAH will probably be their next US destination, wait till 4Q18 or 1Q19 for a June 2019 start as that's how they've been announcing new USA flights. MIA doesn't even sound a bit realistic. If anything SFO, SEA, JFK, or even BOS make much more sense. YUL is not happening until Canada expands the bilateral, and even if they do I'm sure expanding YYZ would be there top priority. GIG is not happening, unless it's a ADD-GIG-SCL or ADD-GIG-BOG. And I highly doubt those will appear in the near term.

In Europe, I can only really see them expanding to MUC. I don't think there's much of an CPH-African Market.
ZRH is a possibility; I was shocked to see them start GVA first. Maybe this leaves room for LX to start an ADD flight from ZRH ?

SGN and CGK seems very low yielding, especially if routing through BKK, and I think that's why ET has shelved those plans as of now. TPE is likely in maybe the next 2-3 years. In regards to Mainland China growth, next destination is likely Chongqing. AMM seems likely, but I think an ADD-AUH flight would go to EY and utilize its hub for connections. The UAE market to Ethiopia and Africa in general is very Dubai centric.

Where I see growth for ET is in increased capacity for its African destinations, flying to more secondary cities, and reducing 1 stop flights and making more terminators. Also, India is a potential growth market. BLR, AMD, MAA seem like great additions for ET. In Australia, I believe the market is there for a ADD-SYD or ADD- MEL flight, but I think those will commence once the 777-8x or A35K enters the fleet

But before more network expansion, they need to focus on a major expansion/enhancement for ADD !! It's just so overcrowded and I doubt the current expansion will help by that much. The fact that 90% of flights board by bus is just wrong and messy looking. Nevertheless, interesting times ahead for ET

RainerBoeing777 wrote:

Americas

Rio de Janeiro (GIG): ET abandoned this market a few years ago, but the Brazilian economy has recovered and its partner Avianca Brasil has grown rapidly, this route can start with ADD-GRU-GIG increases its services to GRU with three flights weekly would be fine

Houston (IAH), Montreal (YUL): Two strong Star Alliance territories, ET would connect all oil countries in Africa with Houston, and Montreal with most of the Middle Eastern countries that operate ET, these routes would be very successful.

Miami (MIA): It is one of the cities with a significant population of people of African descent in the United States, and easily ET would connect Johannesburg and Cape Town with Miami where many South Africans visit this city for leisure and business

I agree with iadadd, IAH should be the next destination in NA for ET, via LFW/ABJ, most likely. With the price of crude creeping up, there may be more demand for flights to IAH. Miami, I only wish, being from Miami myself, but if we see ET here, it will be with ET Cargo. Rio may come back but in a couple of years.

RainerBoeing777 wrote:

Europe

Munich (MUC), Copenhagen (CPH), Istanbul (IST): Strong Star Alliance hubs of great connectivity and would strengthen the ET routes network, the German economy grows and the relations with LH & ET are strong and it is a good time to inaugurate Munich, the strong presence of Scandinavia with ET has grown considerably would be excellent option to add Copenhagen

Amsterdam (AMS): one of the main cities in Europe, and many Dutch tourists visit Africa every year, this route is key for ET

Manchester(MAN): ET has grown considerably in the UK, they are even planning a second daily flight to LHR, but MAN would be an interesting addiction to their route network could connect with several cities in India, the Middle East and Southeast Asia

Moscow(SVO): ET in the past flew to Russia, it would be interesting to reconnect this city with the African continent, despite its recession Russia is still a country with a strong economy

I only see MUC as a high possibility here. AMS I think is unlikely unless it is a tag on to MXP/FCO/GVA, etc. I don't really see them trying Moscow.

RainerBoeing777 wrote:

Middle East:

Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Amman (AMM): ET is a leading airline in the Middle East, these routes would serve to excellently expand its network of routes

Abu Dhabi unlikely. They and the Civil Aviation had a spat with Abu Dhabi as EY's request to fly to ADD was denied.

RainerBoeing777 wrote:

Australia

Melbourne (MEL) and Perth (PER): With the great growth of ET it is a good time to operate kangaroo routes, they already have the ideal fleet Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A350-900, and would connect these important Australian cities with Europe, South America and Africa

I thought they were using SIN for all Australian traffic and for now, I think it makes sense. [/quote]

RainerBoeing777 wrote:

Southeast Asian

Ho Chi Minh (SGN) and Jakarta (CGK): For years ET has been interested in starting these routes and possibly both can be operated via Bangkok

Taipei (TPE): A large territory of Star Alliance and Taiwan with a very growing economy, it would be key to add this route and strengthen ET a leading airline in Asia, to start this route it would be convenient to be operated via Hong Kong

Shenzhen (SZX): China has been key in the growth of ET its largest aircraft operate to China, and its most profitable and high density routes are Beijing and Guangzhou, ET already has five destinations in China and adding this sixth city is key the economy in Shenzhen has grown extensively and it is a Star Alliance territory where it operates its companion Shenzhen Airlines where it would connect with more cities in China

This is where the real action is: China and India will get a good chunk of any new destinations. SZX, Chongqing they have talked about already. In India, I expect Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad. We may also see a foray into Pakistan. I really don't see them going to TPE; may upset the Chinese.

Why are you shocked to see gva first vs zrh. Gva makes much more sense, with the international organisation, ngos and commodity hub. And for the little story, just to make the point: 60 pct of all tourists from sub-Saharan Africa (business or leisure) concentrate around the In the Geneva area against 15 pct for Zurich. A signal that international Geneva is a key market driver. LX will never open ADD. Apart for LH from fra no other European airline flies there: not AF, not KL, not BA.

Why are you shocked to see gva first vs zrh. Gva makes much more sense, with the international organisations, ngos and a strong commodity hub. For the little story: 60 pct of all tourists from sub-Saharan Africa (business or leisure) coming this o Switzerland concentrate around the Geneva area against 15 pct for Zurich. A signal that international Geneva is a key market driver. LX will never open ADD. Apart for LH from fra no other European airline flies there: not AF, not KL, not BA.

RainerBoeing777 wrote:

Europe

Manchester(MAN): ET has grown considerably in the UK, they are even planning a second daily flight to LHR, but MAN would be an interesting addiction to their route network could connect with several cities in India, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

MAN would be an interesting addition for sure, whether it would be an "addiction" remains to be seen!

I don't see a great deal of O&D between MAN and ADD, but I do see connecting traffic from MAN to sub Saharan Africa. In particular, to South Africa. I don't see the potential for ET to provide better connections to the Middle East, Far East or Indian Subcontinent, all of which either have (or shortly are likely to have) direct flights. Connections at the MAN end would likely need to focus on BE.

Ideally MAN would be a transit stop to North America, but ET seem unlikely to switch (one or more transits) from DUB, which obviously works well for all concerned. Whether the calculus changes if/when MAN obtains USPC remains to be seen.

What is left for them in Africa that they're not serving yet?
All I can really think of that is still possible from ADD is MRU and maybe Mwanza (MWZ) in Tanzania with Q400.
Anything else smaller and secondary in West and Southern Africa they should try and serve through their hubs there. I really wish they would focus a bit more on making the Malawian hub more like the LFW hub, although the market is probably smaller in a way...but through that they can serve a few destinations with Q400 which won't really justify direct 737+ service to ADD...ie: POL, APL, BEW, TET, BUQ, SHO and maybe even then DUR.
If they're part of setting up the new Zambian carrier then that will probably also operate like that in a way, however for Zambian opertions it would be more O&D services as there is more of a market...don't see operating to connection 'hubs' in neighbouring countries as such.

Even a wild idea of using LLW as stop for ADD-PER...not having the hot-high departure issue from ADD, shouldn't have ETOPS issues...with feed from LLW to Southern and East Africa (JNB, HRE, LUN, DAR, NBO)

SZX, definitely. In fact, all the Asia and Australia flights suggested. Can't fathom MIA at all......perhaps KIN if they want to connect the Caribbean.

IAH and YUL, basically for feed on partner AC, but not that much locally........In contrast, there are local markets in MSP and SEA........but no real hub feed. And SEA would require a stop in both directions. ET would probably be better off increasing frequency at ORD, before taking on more US cities.

AMM/IST/AUH all sound good fits for the 737......but ATH(not shown), really could use a good African connection.

And perhaps some Indian Ocean destination would be in order, such as RUN/MRU/SEZ might work.

RainerBoeing777 wrote:

What will be the next growth in Ethiopian Airlines routes this 2018 receive two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and 5 Airbus A350XWB

From your list:

Likely:
- IAH,
- GIG: if EZE doesn't work out 7 days a week as tag on from GRU, then they may split the route 4/3. Note that EZE is supported by 5fth freedom traffic to/from GRU
- MUC
- IST: imminent, although Turkish law states that citizens of most African countries have to fly into Turkey on TK
- AUH: but will open up wounds of bilateral agreements between UAE and Ethiopia
- CGK: imminent
- SGN
- SZX: imminent

Unlikely or not in near term:
- YUL
- MIA: ET focuses on where it can get feeds, UA hubs are its targets
- CPH: been there, deemed too expensive
- AMS: been there, deemed too expensive, even when KL flew into ADD ET stayed out of AMS (and now KL is out)
- MAN
- SVO: past service was politically motivated. It could serve it to attract the growing rich Russians that travel to places like Seychelles, but the ME3 already have that
- AMM: there was talk of serving DAM before the whole place blew up on itself
- MEL, PER: the current approach to Australia is through code share with SQ out of SIN. Don't know how successful that is as of yet.
- TPE

grjplanes wrote:

What is left for them in Africa that they're not serving yet?
All I can really think of that is still possible from ADD is MRU and maybe Mwanza (MWZ) in Tanzania with Q400.
Anything else smaller and secondary in West and Southern Africa they should try and serve through their hubs there. I really wish they would focus a bit more on making the Malawian hub more like the LFW hub, although the market is probably smaller in a way...but through that they can serve a few destinations with Q400 which won't really justify direct 737+ service to ADD...ie: POL, APL, BEW, TET, BUQ, SHO and maybe even then DUR.
If they're part of setting up the new Zambian carrier then that will probably also operate like that in a way, however for Zambian opertions it would be more O&D services as there is more of a market...don't see operating to connection 'hubs' in neighbouring countries as such.

Even a wild idea of using LLW as stop for ADD-PER...not having the hot-high departure issue from ADD, shouldn't have ETOPS issues...with feed from LLW to Southern and East Africa (JNB, HRE, LUN, DAR, NBO)

There are many secondary cities they can serve, and such expansion is now evident with the new DRC destinations like Goma, Mbuji Mayi, Kisangani, and NosyBe in Madagascar. Most large/capital cities have been reached already. I would love to see them operating their own metal to Freetown and Monrovia, but they have not been keen on keeping aircraft on the ground overnight for a return that will meet one of the banks. They could potentially make a return to Durban, Bangui.

The arrival of the 737MAXs will open up more opportunities including the increase in frequency. I expect them to further build up the afternoon bank.

berari wrote:

- IST: imminent, although Turkish law states that citizens of most African countries have to fly into Turkey on TK

Wow, is this really a thing ?

berari wrote:

- IST: imminent, although Turkish law states that citizens of most African countries have to fly into Turkey on TK

.

I'd like to hear more about this as well.

EightyFour wrote:

berari wrote:

- IST: imminent, although Turkish law states that citizens of most African countries have to fly into Turkey on TK

.

I'd like to hear more about this as well.

Just did my research, and what it seems is that it's one of the conditions to be granted eVisa/Visa on arrival into Turkey. Otherwise, as long as those African citizens apply for visas at a Turkish consulate they can fly in on any carrier.

iadadd wrote:

EightyFour wrote:

berari wrote:

- IST: imminent, although Turkish law states that citizens of most African countries have to fly into Turkey on TK

.

I'd like to hear more about this as well.

Just did my research, and what it seems is that it's one of the conditions to be granted eVisa/Visa on arrival into Turkey. Otherwise, as long as those African citizens apply for visas at a Turkish consulate they can fly in on any carrier.

Thanks for clarifying this @iadadd. I recall reading about it in my haste to apply for a visa a few months ago while on my way to the airport to board an IST-bound flight. I didn't distinguish between e-Visa and traditional visa. TK retains a competitive advantage.

Thanks for the information, it makes sense now.

DobboDobbo wrote:

RainerBoeing777 wrote:

Europe

Manchester(MAN): ET has grown considerably in the UK, they are even planning a second daily flight to LHR, but MAN would be an interesting addiction to their route network could connect with several cities in India, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

MAN would be an interesting addition for sure, whether it would be an "addiction" remains to be seen!

I don't see a great deal of O&D between MAN and ADD, but I do see connecting traffic from MAN to sub Saharan Africa. In particular, to South Africa. I don't see the potential for ET to provide better connections to the Middle East, Far East or Indian Subcontinent, all of which either have (or shortly are likely to have) direct flights. Connections at the MAN end would likely need to focus on BE.

Ideally MAN would be a transit stop to North America, but ET seem unlikely to switch (one or more transits) from DUB, which obviously works well for all concerned. Whether the calculus changes if/when MAN obtains USPC remains to be seen.

ET's country manager for the UK seems to be looking beyond LHR. Realistically this is likely to mean MAN, LGW, EDI but I don't know what they are looking to tap into. Link and key extract below.

https://www.routesonline.com/news/29/br ... expansion/

Q: Will Heathrow be the main focus or, given its slot constraints, is the airline planning to grow its network elsewhere?

A: Additional frequency from LHR, introduction of second UK airport or a mixture of both are options that we are currently working hard to introduce as we need to bring more capacity to the market to achieve our long-term growth ambitions in the UK market.

DobboDobbo wrote:

DobboDobbo wrote:

RainerBoeing777 wrote:

Europe

Manchester(MAN): ET has grown considerably in the UK, they are even planning a second daily flight to LHR, but MAN would be an interesting addiction to their route network could connect with several cities in India, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

MAN would be an interesting addition for sure, whether it would be an "addiction" remains to be seen!

I don't see a great deal of O&D between MAN and ADD, but I do see connecting traffic from MAN to sub Saharan Africa. In particular, to South Africa. I don't see the potential for ET to provide better connections to the Middle East, Far East or Indian Subcontinent, all of which either have (or shortly are likely to have) direct flights. Connections at the MAN end would likely need to focus on BE.

Ideally MAN would be a transit stop to North America, but ET seem unlikely to switch (one or more transits) from DUB, which obviously works well for all concerned. Whether the calculus changes if/when MAN obtains USPC remains to be seen.

ET's country manager for the UK seems to be looking beyond LHR. Realistically this is likely to mean MAN, LGW, EDI but I don't know what they are looking to tap into. Link and key extract below.

https://www.routesonline.com/news/29/br ... expansion/

Q: Will Heathrow be the main focus or, given its slot constraints, is the airline planning to grow its network elsewhere?

A: Additional frequency from LHR, introduction of second UK airport or a mixture of both are options that we are currently working hard to introduce as we need to bring more capacity to the market to achieve our long-term growth ambitions in the UK market.

Ethiopian previously served LGW along with their LHR operation and they even had a cargo flight to the airport so it wouldn't surprise me if LGW was resumed at some point but if any expansion in the UK outside of London occurs I think Manchester has a very good chance of getting Ethiopian.

If Ethiopian do expand their London presence they may even well look at Stansted, get a deal with MAG which allows them to serve Manchester as well.

I think Manchester would make the most sense in terms of UK expansion. Short term, they may add LGW , but as long as they can grab their hands on an additional LHR slot they'll gravitate towards that.

Maybe after MAN, we can see BHX. I cannot see the market for a Scotland flight

ET's first challenge at LHR is to secure slots to allow them to operate daily ADD-LHR overnight year round. At the moment days 1,2 in summer and day 1 in winter are morning departures from ADD which can't be helping connections.

If ET thinks out-of-the-box and feels to link Star Alliance hubs, then ADD-LIS-PTY might be interesting.
ET could then be an option between LIS and Moçambique/South Africa.

cyba wrote:

ET's first challenge at LHR is to secure slots to allow them to operate daily ADD-LHR overnight year round. At the moment days 1,2 in summer and day 1 in winter are morning departures from ADD which can't be helping connections.

Couldn't agree more. ET has done very well on its LHR route in recent years, and their CEO has been quoted that he would like to see two daily flights into LHR.

Surprisingly, some of those daytime flights out of ADD are booked solid.

berari wrote:

Couldn't agree more. ET has done very well on its LHR route in recent years, and their CEO has been quoted that he would like to see two daily flights into LHR.

Surprisingly, some of those daytime flights out of ADD are booked solid.

For a bunch of reasons the LHR-ADD flight is likely loaded with more O&D traffic than any other of ET's European flights. Not requiring as many connections in ADD makes the daytime flights more viable.

evanb wrote:

berari wrote:

Couldn't agree more. ET has done very well on its LHR route in recent years, and their CEO has been quoted that he would like to see two daily flights into LHR.

Surprisingly, some of those daytime flights out of ADD are booked solid.

For a bunch of reasons the LHR-ADD flight is likely loaded with more O&D traffic than any other of ET's European flights. Not requiring as many connections in ADD makes the daytime flights more viable.

I would not make such assumptions. The daytime LHR flights out of ADD still have feeds from Nairobi, Entebbe, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg, Lusaka and Harare which form well established Ethiopian destinations and have historical ties to the UK. Those overnight African flights into ADD do see healthy loads.

berari wrote:

I would not make such assumptions. The daytime LHR flights out of ADD still have feeds from Nairobi, Entebbe, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg, Lusaka and Harare which form well established Ethiopian destinations and have historical ties to the UK. Those overnight African flights into ADD do see healthy loads.

It's not an assumption. The OAG market data shows it as the biggest O&D European route from Addis, a little higher than Rome.

LHR-ADD definitely supports the Ethiopian community in the UK, plus the fact that LHR virtually has healthy demand to any large city across the globe

What I found interesting is when I flew ET last month down to the Comoros, MUC was marked as a future destination in there onboard magazine although to my knowledge no announcement had or has been made. It would fit a 100% though.

Flew out of ADD on Thursday evening. Quite the operation Ethiopian has going there, very impressive.
I imagine the elevation hurts range a lot, but, they seem to get where they need to go without too much hassle.

Very cool airline.

The difference between ET and other airlines in Africa such as KQ, SAA, TAAG, RAM and MS, ET is very consolidated in the European market, the Middle East and Asia Hub ADD can make enough connections for business and leisure passengers to connect with GIG, a very popular connection in ET is CAN-ADD-GRU as well as TLV-ADD-GRU or BEY-ADD-GRU, even EZE is opened by connections with TLV and Asia

Agreed.

I my view the only difference between ET and other airlines in Africa such as KQ, SAA, TAAG, RAM and MS is that ET is a business. The rest are in the illustrious group known as the basket case airlines.

Whatever ET's management decide on its next destination/s, would be a lot smarter, business savvy and profitable than the combined management "talent" of KQ, SAA, TAAG, RAM and MS deciding on whether to go for Coke or Pepsi.

ET has been on a roll lately

1) became Nigeria's largest foreign carrier
2) Adding a 3rd daily JNB flight
3) Starting ORD, EZE, BCN, GVA and multiple secondary African cities within the next 6 months
4) CEO states intention of a JV between ET and LH on Germany-Ethiopia routes

All we need is the expansion of Bole to keep up with the growth of the airline and ET will be a truly premier travel experience.

Ethiopian Airlines launched the Manchester route http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/2021064-manchester-airport-launches-new-route-heart-africa ! you have the expectation of Moscow and Istanbul for this second quarter of the year, I hope that soon Munich and Houston will be launched

oceanvikram wrote:

The difference between ET and other airlines in Africa such as KQ, SAA, TAAG, RAM and MS, ET is very consolidated in the European market, the Middle East and Asia Hub ADD can make enough connections for business and leisure passengers to connect with GIG, a very popular connection in ET is CAN-ADD-GRU as well as TLV-ADD-GRU or BEY-ADD-GRU, even EZE is opened by connections with TLV and Asia

Agreed.

I my view the only difference between ET and other airlines in Africa such as KQ, SAA, TAAG, RAM and MS is that ET is a business. The rest are in the illustrious group known as the basket case airlines.

Whatever ET's management decide on its next destination/s, would be a lot smarter, business savvy and profitable than the combined management "talent" of KQ, SAA, TAAG, RAM and MS deciding on whether to go for Coke or Pepsi.

= As much as I think RAM has one of the poorest products out there, AT has a very strong network and has delivered being a bridge between Africa and Europe, especially non-hub Europe. It is not in the bracket of KQ/SA/DT/MS.

Saludos,
Alex

Interesting to look back on this thread and see that a few people didn’t give MAN much chance of being launched, yet was the first one to do so! Shows you need to really analyse which horse to bet on...

Most favourite airline on A.net nowadays

As much as I wanna see ET at CGK, I don't it's gonna worked. Several years ago ET actually announced their flight to CGK, but pulled out in the last minute.

Some Indonesian are still clinging to the past and won't believe that Ethiopia, both the country and the airline, has improved significantly in the last decades. They need some really aggressive marketing and pricing for some time to gain the public attention. I think that's the reason why they cancel their plan back then.

imthedreamliner wrote:

Most favourite airline on A.net nowadays

Same!

I can’t find the article but I’m sure it was a public quote- talking of them launching MEL in the coming years. Melbourne has a growing African community and an airport that seemed hell bent on attracting new airlines. Hope to see their 350 down here one day.

Freshside3 wrote:

SZX, definitely. In fact, all the Asia and Australia flights suggested. Can't fathom MIA at all......perhaps KIN if they want to connect the Caribbean.

.

There has long been talk of Africa Caribbean service. There is now a definite Nigerian population in this region. The problem is that its scattered. POS will make a better hub to collect this Caribbean bound/originating travel than KIN. They would need some arrangement with BW as a feeder.

Unlikely though.

SFO - Star alliance Hub and big Ethiopian immigrant population

https://www.lusakatimes.com/2018/05/16/ ... -relaunch/

Seems so many fingers in so many pies across the continent...perhaps the CS100/300 together with Q400s is the ideal for all these ventures...Zambia, Mozambique, Chad, Guinea, Malawi...then there's always talk of others as well

User001 wrote:

Interesting to look back on this thread and see that a few people didn’t give MAN much chance of being launched, yet was the first one to do so! Shows you need to really analyse which horse to bet on...

No analysis, unless you had insider information, could have landed one to bet on MAN. ET's primary targets have been Star Alliance hubs which they continue to expand into, which is where one would have better odds. At the same time, you have folks that suggest ET fly into PTY.

imthedreamliner wrote:

Most favourite airline on A.net nowadays

Mine too

trent768 wrote:

As much as I wanna see ET at CGK, I don't it's gonna worked. Several years ago ET actually announced their flight to CGK, but pulled out in the last minute.

Some Indonesian are still clinging to the past and won't believe that Ethiopia, both the country and the airline, has improved significantly in the last decades. They need some really aggressive marketing and pricing for some time to gain the public attention. I think that's the reason why they cancel their plan back then.

It appeared to be hinged upon bilateral agreements that did not materialize until a summit earlier this year. It also came with an announcement related to Garuda being an option to do maintenance work for ET.

As far as Indonesian folk, for the right price and connectivity options ET will be come the airline of choice into Africa. There is nothing unique about Indonesians when compared to countries as far flung as Philippines and Japan, as well as Brazil and USA.

GRJGeorge wrote:

https://www.lusakatimes.com/2018/05/16/ethiopian-airways-plans-to-buy-new-jets-as-it-readies-for-zambia-airways-relaunch/

Seems so many fingers in so many pies across the continent...perhaps the CS100/300 together with Q400s is the ideal for all these ventures...Zambia, Mozambique, Chad, Guinea, Malawi...then there's always talk of others as well

I was thinking the same. Especially with the economics of the Q400, it may be the best aircraft for the continent. Appetite and comfort of flying the Q400 (which is a good aircraft IMHO) on the continent is likely building up, with players such as ASKY using it on many daily services.

ET continues to add the Q400 to its order log, which will likely end up at these ventures. It is also a Q400 authorized service facility on the continent, which will support its MRO business.

As far as many fingers in so many pies, it's a risk that ET has to manage.

Ethiopian Airlines is certainly a great success! Very soon it will be a leading airline in the world, they launch it to Jakarta (CGK)! with Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner equipment for next July 17, 2018

https://www.eturbonews.com/185528/addis-ababa-to-jakarta-new-non-stop-flight-on-ethiopian-airlines

RainerBoeing777 wrote:

Ethiopian Airlines is certainly a great success! Very soon it will be a leading airline in the world, they launch it to Jakarta (CGK)! with Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner equipment for next July 17, 2018

https://www.eturbonews.com/185528/addis-ababa-to-jakarta-new-non-stop-flight-on-ethiopian-airlines

The service will start via Bangkok 3 times a week

ET628 ADD0001 – 1320BKK1420 – 1805CGK 788 246
ET629 CGK2035 – 0020+1BKK0145+1 – 0615+1ADD 788 246

https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/278720/ethiopian-adds-jakarta-manila-service-changes-in-s18/

RainerBoeing777 wrote:

Ethiopian Airlines launched the Manchester route http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/2021064-manchester-airport-launches-new-route-heart-africa ! you have the expectation of Moscow and Istanbul for this second quarter of the year, I hope that soon Munich and Houston will be launched

Good to hear about this. But it would be better with a SEA tag-on. There are a lot of people that go from SEA go to ADD and MAN, for a variety of reasons.

So some of the releases I am reading today including the one below indicate that Ethiopian has another 5 787-9s on order in addition to the one they receive in a couple of weeks. When did this happen? I recall they only had 2 of this on order even before they signed up for the terrible teens. And then it became 4, and now an six more in addition to the two they have received? This btw is also consistent with what they have on their fleet page. The first four (two delivered, two imminent) are leased from AerCap.

https://www.incentivetravel.co.uk/news/ ... ve-service

berari wrote:

[[s]quote="User001"]Interesting to look back on this thread and see that a few people didn’t give MAN much chance of being launched, yet was the first one to do so! Shows you need to really analyse which horse to bet on...[/quote]

No analysis, unless you had insider information, could have landed one to bet on MAN..[/quote]

Apart from the idea that around July 2016, the local paper has Addis Ababa as one of 11 cities that MAN was hoping to secure in the short-to-medium term. https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchester-airport-routes-new-destinations-11609712

Out of the 11 cities these are now conifrmed destinations: ADD, IAH, BOM and MCT. I'm expecting 3 more of the cities to be announced within the next 12 months or so. The specific targeting of certain long-haul routes by MAN over the last 3 to 5 years has been one of the stand out features in UK aviation, yet everyone (bar the locals!) seems very surprised when they are revealed.

David_itl wrote:

berari wrote:

[[s]quote="User001"]Interesting to look back on this thread and see that a few people didn’t give MAN much chance of being launched, yet was the first one to do so! Shows you need to really analyse which horse to bet on...[/quote]

No analysis, unless you had insider information, could have landed one to bet on MAN..[/quote][/quote]

Apart from the idea that around July 2016, the local paper has Addis Ababa as one of 11 cities that MAN was hoping to secure in the short-to-medium term. https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchester-airport-routes-new-destinations-11609712

Out of the 11 cities these are now conifrmed destinations: ADD, IAH, BOM and MCT. I'm expecting 3 more of the cities to be announced within the next 12 months or so. The specific targeting of certain long-haul routes by MAN over the last 3 to 5 years has been one of the stand out features in UK aviation, yet everyone (bar the locals!) seems very surprised when they are revealed.[/quote]

Sure, we can go back in time to continue to justify actions taken by the airline when we are all, today, are posting by either wishful thinking, allegiance to our home towns and everything in between. MAN does not fit the expansion pattern ET has followed in recent times, which is why many are surprised (and elated) to see such expansion. The OP of this thread had no specific input about impending launches to this route or any of the ones they listed, and like many threads on this forum, all subsequent input was speculative.

Ethiopian Airlines launches Istanbul and Moscow! now there are 15 destinations in Europe without a doubt this 2018 has been a great growth, I hope that the arrival of the new airplanes continue opening much more and more destinations! I just want to see you soon in Australia

https://twitter.com/Airlineroute/status/1002998727601033216

Manchester is now finally showing up in booking systems as announced via BRU 4x per week. BRU will be served via VIE on the rest of the days. VIE will cut back to 6 days per week.

Also new is that GVA will be served via FCO and not MXP as originally planned.

VIE as of now has three flights going on to MXP and three terminator service. I see the latter as being opportunity/precursor for expansion, but to where?

berari wrote:

No analysis, unless you had insider information, could have landed one to bet on MAN. ET's primary targets have been Star Alliance hubs which they continue to expand into, which is where one would have better odds. At the same time, you have folks that suggest ET fly into PTY.

ET to PTY, that'd be the day. And perhaps before EK makes it to PTY.
Seriously, if ET wants to link Star Alliance hubs ADD and PTY, best would be to do it via a European airport not currently having flights to PTY in the likes of "an airport in London", BCN, AGP, FCO, MXP. If that airport happens to be another Star Alliance hub (like LIS, ZRH, CPH, MUC, VIE, ZAG, ATH, CAI) that'd really be a bonus.

berari wrote:

Manchester is now finally showing up in booking systems as announced via BRU 4x per week. BRU will be served via VIE on the rest of the days. VIE will cut back to 6 days per week.

Also new is that GVA will be served via FCO and not MXP as originally planned.

VIE as of now has three flights going on to MXP and three terminator service. I see the latter as being opportunity/precursor for expansion, but to where?

Where did you find that GVA is now served via FCO instead of MXP ? Their first flight last SUN was via MXP and I've checked flights up to mid NOV in their booking system and they are all still shown via MXP.