Ethiopian Cargo Re-calibrates Its Operations in the Wake of COVID-19

Press Release

Addis Ababa – April 8, 2020 – Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services, the multiple award-winning and largest cargo network operator in Africa, is adapting its operations to the evolving global demand for air cargo services following the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the current situation, Ethiopian Cargo has extended its reach to 74 destinations globally, and caters to charter flight needs anywhere in the world boundlessly, carrying much needed medical supplies in the ongoing fight against COVID-19.

In the month of March alone, Ethiopian transported a total uplift of over 45,848 tons of cargo to different parts of the world deploying both its freighters and passenger fleet. The shipments include pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and healthcare products carried with 86 charter flights using B777 freighters, each with a capacity of 100 tons, in response to the COVID 19 pandemic.

“Agility being a key part of our competencies, we have re-calibrated our cargo operations and networks in light of the current demand in air cargo business,” says Tewolde GebreMariam, Ethiopian Group CEO. “We are carrying medical supplies in both scheduled and charter flights using the cabin and belly hold of our passenger aircraft besides our cargo fleet. Despite the grim situation the world is grappling with, we feel heartened by the small contribution we are making to curb further loss of lives by carrying critical medical supplies where they are needed the most. I would like to thank my colleagues at Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services who are working 24/7 to provide air cargo service the world needs critically in this difficult time.”

It is to be recalled that Ethiopian recently delivered medical supplies – including testing kits, masks and protective suits – donated by Jack Ma and Alibaba Group to African countries with the initiative of Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed.

About Ethiopian
Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) is the fastest growing Airline in Africa. In its seventy plus years of operation, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success.

Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the Pan-African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to 127 international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian fleet includes ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Airbus A350, Boeing 787-8, Boeing 787-9, Boeing 777- 300ER, Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-200 Freighter, Bombardier Q-400 double cabin with an average fleet age of five years. In fact, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate these aircraft.

Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2025 that will see it become the leading aviation group in Africa with Seven Strategic Business Units: Ethiopian International Services; Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services; Ethiopian MRO Services; Ethiopian Aviation Academy; Ethiopian Ground Services, Ethiopian Express Services and Ethiopian Airports. Ethiopian is a multi-award winning airline registering an average growth of 25% in the past eight years.

Source: Ethiopian Airlines