Ethiopian Airlines Commences 2013 Hajj Operations

Press Release

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - Ethiopian Airlines is pleased to announce the start of Hajj transport services for the 8,000 Ethiopian Hajj pilgrims, who will travel to the Muslim holy land of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, starting 18 September 2013. The first Ethiopian chartered Hajj flight of 2013 will take-off from Addis Ababa with 234 out of the 8,000 Ethiopian pilgrims, who will be traveling to Mecca this year to fulfill their religious duty.

“We are happy to give this special chartered service to our fellow Ethiopian/African Muslim community, who are traveling to the holy land to fulfill their religious duty. It is our national and continental duty to ensure that they are able to get this service from their national/continental carrier in the best possible conditions. We have made all the necessary preparations to make this year’s Hajj Operations a success, including by assigning aircraft solely for this service and having a dedicated departure hall at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport with a view to give convenient service to pilgrims in accordance with their religious needs.As a truly indigenous Pan-African airline, we are also providing reliable Hajj charter services for many other African countries. This year alone we have signed agreements with various African governments to transport 21,000 pilgrims”, said Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian. The pilgrimage to Mecca is a religious duty, which must be carried out by every able-bodied Muslim at least once in his or her lifetime.

About Ethiopian

Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) is the fastest growing Airline in Africa. In its operations in the past close to seven decades, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success.

Ethiopian commands the lion share of the pan-African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 76 international destinations across five continents. Ethiopian fleet includes ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as the Boeing 787, Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-200LR Freighter and Bombardier Q-400 with double cabin. 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 business centers: Ethiopian Domestic and Regional Airline; Ethiopian International Passenger Airline; Ethiopian Cargo; Ethiopian MRO; Ethiopian Aviation Academy; Ethiopian In-flight Catering Services; and Ethiopian Ground Service. Ethiopian is a multi award winning airline registering an average growth of 25% in the past seven years.