Ethiopian Airlines links Manila to Africa

Arriving into Goma on 10 July is Ethiopian Airlines’ inaugural flight from Addis Ababa. Services on the 1,590-kilometre sector to the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s North Kivu province will operate thrice-weekly, and are flown using the carrier’s 74-seat Q400s.

On 9 July, Ethiopian Airlines launched services between Addis Ababa and Manila – the first direct flight from Philippines to Africa. Services between the two capital cities have been made possible since Philippines and Ethiopia signed an air service agreement in October 2014. Cutting the ribbon in Manila is Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Tewolde Gebremariam. Services on the 8,922-kilometre sector will be flown thrice-weekly using 767-300s via the airline’s existing Bangkok operation.

• Ethiopian Airlines launched two services from its hub in Addis Ababa (ADD) last week, starting on 9 July to Manila(MNL), which will be flown via the airline’s existing Bangkok operation. Flights on the 8,922-kilometre sector will be flown thrice-weekly using the Star Alliance member’s 767-300s. Commenting at the launch in Manila, Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Tewolde Gebremariam, said: “Philippines is an important market because there are huge investments in Africa by this country, and quite a significant number of people travel to Africa from Philippines including countries such as Ethiopia, Nigeria, Angola, and Gabon.” The launch of services on the city pair means that Ethiopian Airlines becomes the only carrier to provide a direct air link to Manila from the African continent. On 10 July, the carrier began services toGoma (GOM) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Services to the capital of the country’s North Kivu province will also operate thrice-weekly, using the airline’s 74-seat Q400s. Neither of the routes will face direct competition. See how Manila Airport’s FTWA compares to others from around the world.