Ethiopian to Fly to Seoul with first African 787 Dreamliner
Press Release
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - Ethiopian Airlines, the fastest growing airline in Africa, is pleased to announce that it will become the first African carrier to operate scheduled flights to Seoul, the Republic of South Korea effective 18 June 2013 using the B787 Dreamliner.
The B787 is the most technologically advanced commercial aircraft offering unparalleled on-board comfort to passengers with high ceiling, the biggest windows in the sky, greatly reduced noise, unique lighting system and higher level of humidity.
Ethiopian will fly four weekly services to Incheon International Airport in Seoul and its inaugural flight will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and South Korea.
Various ministers, ambassadors, high level officials, members of the business community and an Ethiopian cultural troupe will be on-board the inaugural flight. Joint high profile events such as government, business, trade, tourism, cultural and academic forums highlighting the great potential of the relations between the two countries are scheduled to take place in Seoul from 19 to 21 June 2013.
“With the economic boom of Africa in general and Ethiopia in particular and the growing ties with South Korea, we are pleased to provide the critically essential air connectivity using the 1st African B787 to Seoul”, said CEO Tewolde Gebremariam of Ethiopian Airlines.
With the new flights to Seoul, Ethiopian will be able to offer easy and convenient connections thru its main hub in Addis Ababa to passengers travelling either for business or leisure between Africa and South Korea. As of 18 June 2013, Seoul will be connected to dozens of cities in Africa via Ethiopian main hub in Addis Ababa such as Johannesburg, Nairobi, Lagos, Accra and Dares-Salaam.
Seoul will be Ethiopian 73rd international destination. The inclusion of Seoul into Ethiopian network is part of Ethiopian Vision 2025 of connecting Africa with the major world economic and financial hubs.
About Ethiopian
Ethiopian Airlines, the fastest growing airline in Africa, made its maiden international flight to Cairo in 1946 and now the Airline provides dependable services to 72 international destinations spanning four continents.
Ethiopian is proud to be a Star Alliance Member. The Star Alliance network is the leading global airline network offering customers convenient worldwide reach and a smoother travel experience. The Star Alliance network offers more than 21,555 daily flights to 1,356 airports in 193 countries.
Ethiopian is a multi-award winner for its commitment and contributions towards the development and growth of the African aviation industry and in recognition of its distinguished long-haul operations enhanced by the introduction of new routes and products. Recently, Ethiopian won “Airline Reliability Performance Award” from the Bombardier Aerospace; “African Airline of the Year Award” from Air Transport Quarterly Magazine; “Transformation Award 2012” from Planet Africa Network; “International Diamond Prize for Excellence in Quality” from the European Society for Quality Research (ESQR). Also Captain Desta Zeru, Vice-President of Flight Operations, won “Africa Legend of Travel” award from African Travel Quarterly (ATQ) magazine; and Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Tewolde Gebremariam, won “African CEO of the year” from the African CEO Forum as well as “African Business Leader of the Year” award from the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA).
With its acquisition of and firm orders for several new modern fleet, the airline is well positioned to pursue aggressively the implementation of its 2025 strategic plan to become the leading aviation group in Africa.
For more information about this press release, please contact:
Manager PR & Publications
Ethiopian Airlines
Tel: (+251-11) 517-89-07, (+251-11) 517-81-65
Fax: (+251-11) 661-14-74
E-mail:publicrelations@ethiopianairlines.com
