Aug 25, 2018: Ethiopian Airlines announced that it has finalised agreements with the government of Chad for the launch of the Chad’s new national carrier. Ethiopian will hold a 49 percent stake in the joint venture while the government of Chad retains 51 percent. The management will be vested with Ethiopian Airlines. The new Chad national airline is planned to go into operation as of October 1, 2018.

Tewolde GebreMariam, Group CEO, Ethiopian Airlines stated, “The strategic equity partnership in the launching of the new Chad national carrier is part of our Vision 2025 multiple hub strategy in Africa. The new Chad national carrier will serve as a strong hub in Central Africa availing domestic, regional and eventually international air connectivity to the major destinations in the Middle East, Europe and Asia.”

Through its multiple hubs strategy in Africa, Ethiopian currently operates hubs in Lome (Togo) with ASKY Airlines and Malawian in Lilongwe (Malawi), while also having acquired stakes in Zambia’s and Guinea’s national carriers. Ethiopian Airlines is also preparing to launch Ethiopian Mozambique Airlines.