Ethiopian Airlines Celebrates 80 Years
Addis Ababa, 08 April 2026 – Ethiopian Airlines has marked its 80th anniversary, launching a series of celebrations to commemorate eight decades of service.
The milestone was officially announced by Group CEO Mesfin Tasew during a press conference held at Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, where the airline kicked off its anniversary events.
Founded in April 1946, Ethiopian Airlines began operations with five Douglas C-47 aircraft, flying its first scheduled route to Cairo via Asmara. Over the years, the carrier expanded its fleet from early models such as the Convair 240 and DC-6B to today’s modern aircraft, positioning itself as a leader in aviation technology across Africa.
Speaking at the event, Mesfin Tasew described the anniversary as a significant achievement not only for the airline but for the wider African aviation industry. He highlighted the company’s role in connecting countries, bridging economic gaps, and maintaining a strong Pan-African identity throughout its history.
Today, Ethiopian Airlines stands as Africa’s leading airline by several key measures, including fleet size, destinations served, revenue, and passenger numbers.
The anniversary press conference marks the beginning of a broader series of events planned in the coming days to celebrate the airline’s 80-year legacy.
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