Ethiopian’s Chicago service cements its African super-connector status

February 16, 2018 in Business, Companies, Transport, Travel & Tourism by Editor

Kampala, February 16 – In announcing a new service between its Addis Ababa hub and Chicago in the USA, Ethiopian flag carrier Ethiopian is replicating a strategy that has seen it grow into the biggest African operator to Asia.

Ethiopian announced February 6 that it will be launching a thrice-weekly service to Chicago starting June 2, bringing its destinations in the USA to four after Washington, Los Angeles and New York. Added to Toronto, Sao Paulo, Los Angeles, Washington DC and New York, the new destination will bring to six the points Ethiopian serves in the Americas.

“Chicago will be our fourth destination in the US, and seventh in the Americas. It’s the third biggest city in the US, and one of the most important global aviation hubs. We will be bridging the air connectivity gap as our flights will be the only direct service between Chicago and Africa,” Group Chief executive Tewolde GebreMariam, said while announcing the new service.

Combined with its 56 destinations in Africa, 17 in Asia and 12 in Europe, Ethiopian is now firmly established as an African super connector.

With a fleet of 94 aircraft and a further 61 on order as well as hubs in Southern and West Africa, Ethiopian is positioning itself for further growth both within Africa and globally.

The service to Chicago will be operated using a Boeing 787-800 with outbound flights operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays while inbound will be on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Ethiopian’s bid gives travellers between the USA, Africa and the Far East one of the most convenient options since it will be possible to do business across three continents using the most direct connections.

“The services will enable greater flow of trade, investment and tourism,” said GebreMariam.