Ethiopian Airlines takes off to Manchester

Dec 11, 2018: Ethiopian Airlines has commenced flights from Addis Ababa to Manchester with four-times-a-week service, its second destination in the UK. The ceremony was graced by Susanna Moorehead, ambassador of the UK to Ethiopia, group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Tewolde GebreMariam, dignitaries and invited guests. 

The route will be operated by the ultra-modern B787 Dreamliner on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Speaking at the inaugural event, Moorehead remarked, “I would think of Ethiopian Airlines as a symbol of Ethiopia. It’s global; it’s growing; connecting people; it’s supremely professional, modern; it’s forward looking, it’s young and it’s dynamic. I am fortunate enough to be the British ambassador to Ethiopia. The inaugural flight to Manchester is a strong symbol of the depth and breadth of the relations between Ethiopia and the UK.”

GebreMariam said, “It’s a pleasure to be here this evening with you to celebrate an important milestone in our history, the opening of a second city in the UK. We have been flying to London since 1973, more than 46 years, so we are not new to the UK market. But we are very happy to expand our services closer to the customer in Manchester now. Today, our customers can conveniently travel to 60 destinations in Africa with an immediate connection in our hub in Addis Ababa. The connectivity we are establishing between Europe and Africa is facilitating trade investment, tourism and people-to-people ties.” 

Along with the ten existing flights from Heathrow, the inauguration of a four weekly Manchester service makes Africa even more accessible along with excellent connectivity from and to UK regional airports.

Over the years, Ethiopian has been opening new routes including to Europe, which it is currently serving with 51 flights a week. The airline is finalising preparations to start services to other European countries including Moscow.