Ethiopian Airlines operates 28 passenger flights and 10 freighters weekly from India
During covid19, several airlines shut their operations globally as it hit them hard. But certain airlines safeguarded to remain afloat despite all odds and bounced back. Ethiopian airlines, one of the fastest growing airlines and best airlines of Africa ensured that they remain in top slot in the global market. Ethiopian is one of the few airlines which has been flying from India for almost six decades and has grown manifold. To know more insights of Ethiopian airlines Mewati Sitaram, Editor in Chief Mumbai Messenger Newspaper had a detailed discussion with Bilen Arefaine, newly appointed Regional Director, India SubContinent, Ethiopian Airlines. She is a seasoned professional in Ethiopian airlines and has served around two and half decades serving in ET.
How important is India to Ethiopian Airlines?
India is a significant Asian market and one of the oldest routes for Ethiopian Airlines. It commenced operations to India way back in 1966 we started flights to Delhi (nearly 57 years ago). Then in 1971 we shifted our flights to operate from Mumbai (52 years ago). It proves how important India is to ET. Our management is constantly looking to offer the best of the services not only to India but other areas too.
How do you see traffic growth from and to India in the coming years?
From operating flights once a week in the sixties and early seventies, the airline has spread its wings in India. Today we have double daily operations out of Mumbai and Delhi and have added Bengaluru and Chennai in India. So, for Ethiopian Airlines there is no looking back. We foresee operating new mega cities in the coming years. In totality we are operating 28 flights per week from India.
What are plans for promoting Ethiopian Airlines as the first choice for Indian travellers?
Ethiopian has always been a preferred airline for Indian passengers for several decades and we have spread our wings manyfold over a period of time. Ethiopian is known for on time, it serves finest Indian cuisine on board with multiple options for Indian passengers. Ethiopian and Indian hospitality are very similar and it can be envisaged in the Inflight ET crew. Indian passengers are very comfortable with the personalized service. Keeping in view the taste buds of Indian passengers, we have also upgraded the Indian menu including the vegetarian menu on board ET. To serve authentic Indian delicacies and keeping consistency in taste and texture, we have taken an Indian Chef to Addis Ababa to train our Inflight Catering to prepare tasty Indian meals. We are constantly upgrading the menu and have started receiving a lot of positive feedback about the service and food.
Up in the sky, Ethiopian Airlines Aeroplane
Do you see yourself as a gateway to Africa?
Without sounding pompous, we are the gateway to Africa, since we are the only airline flying to more than 60 destinations in Africa and offering seamless flight connectivity. In the recent past ET has won several Global awards which are self-explanatory and our management is always doing R&D to add more destinations not only in Africa but other parts of the world too.
What are the distinct advantages that the airline offers to its customers?
The USP of the airline is its immediate connectivity, state of the art aircrafts boasting of the youngest fleet, exemplary inflight service, more than 120 international destinations to choose from. Ethiopian Airlines is not only a pioneer in the aviation industry but also playing a great part in the tourism sector. We have our own 5-star hotel near its hub and an In-Terminal hotel inside Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport. We have our own Aviation Academy including MRO Training center. Everything is done Inhouse instead of outsourcing, so we can ensure the best quality at all times.
On a personal front, how do you plan to enjoy your new assignment?
I took over my assignment in November 2022 and am enjoying the challenges and growth opportunities this area, offers. It is a busy station and overseeing all of India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal is an exciting proposition. I enjoy meeting and interacting with people and will be busy overseeing Passenger and Cargo Operations for this large territory. It is a great opportunity for me to work on this position as I am handling four nations and can see what best can be delivered to remain in the top slot.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
