Ethiopian Airlines is celebrating a remarkable milestone, marking 80 years of service on 08 April 2026. The airline’s Group CEO, Mesfin Tasew officially launched the anniversary celebrations during a press conference held at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel.

Founded in April 1946, Ethiopian Airlines began operations with five Douglas C-47 aircraft, initially flying a scheduled route to Cairo via Asmara. From its early fleet of Douglas C-47s, Convair 240s and DC-6Bs, the airline has grown into a technological leader in African aviation, pioneering the introduction of modern aircraft across the continent.

Reflecting on the milestone, Mesfin Tasew stated, “This is a proud moment for Ethiopian Airlines and the entire African aviation industry. We are honored to reach the 80-year mark serving our continent and the rest of the world. Keeping our Pan-African identity, we have bridged gaps, linked nations and connected economies for eight decades. Our achievements are built on hard work, commitment and partnerships. This milestone belongs not only to our management and staff but also to our stakeholders, partners and valued customers.”

Over the past eight decades, Ethiopian Airlines has established itself as Africa’s leading carrier by fleet size, destinations served, revenue and passenger numbers. The airline continues to set industry benchmarks, operating a modern fleet that includes Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900 and A350-1000 aircraft as well as De Havilland Q400 turboprops.

Today, Ethiopian connects more than 160 passenger and cargo destinations across five continents, reinforcing its role as a vital link between Africa and the global aviation network. A member of Star Alliance the airline has earned multiple prestigious accolades, including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa’ award for eight consecutive years and APEX’s ‘Best Overall in Africa’.

Looking ahead, Ethiopian Airlines is driving its ambitious ‘Vision 2035’ strategy, aiming to become one of the world’s top 20 most competitive aviation groups. Central to this vision is its multi-hub approach, with strategic partnerships and operations in Lomé, Lilongwe, Lusaka and Kinshasa.

The press conference marks the first in a series of events planned to commemorate this historic milestone, celebrating not just the airline’s legacy but its continued role in shaping the future of African aviation.