Airbus has thrown its weight behind Ethiopia’s ambition to become Africa’s leading aerospace hub, pledging support for training, skills development and deeper collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines as air travel demand across the continent continues to grow.
Antonio da Costa, Airbus Vice President of Market Analysis and Forecast, Commercial Aircraft Strategy for Africa and the Middle East, said on Tuesday that Ethiopia could record a six-fold increase in air traffic, positioning it as a major centre for aviation services beyond passenger transport.
He attributed the country’s potential to its economic growth, the strength of Ethiopian Airlines and expanding aviation infrastructure, particularly in Addis Ababa, which serves as a major gateway for international travel across Africa.
Da Costa said the opportunity extended beyond operating aircraft to include maintenance, repair and overhaul, catering, supply chain development and technical training.
While air traffic across Africa is projected to triple, he said demand in Ethiopia could grow six-fold, creating opportunities for the country to strengthen its role in the continent’s aviation industry.
Ethiopian Airlines is central to that ambition. Africa’s largest airline group operates more than 170 aircraft, serves over 145 destinations and employs more than 18,000 people.
Its hub at Bole International Airport connects passengers travelling between Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
“We believe we have the right aircraft,” Da Costa said, pointing to Ethiopian Airlines’ decade of experience operating the Airbus A350 as a foundation for expanding the partnership.
The airline currently operates 21 A350-900 aircraft and has ordered six additional units, making it the continent’s largest operator of the aircraft type.
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Airbus is seeking to deepen its presence in Ethiopia through the A350 and other aircraft in its product range, while supporting efforts to build the technical capacity needed to sustain aviation growth.
Da Costa, however, stressed the importance of ensuring that expansion is environmentally sustainable.
He said Airbus’s latest generation of aircraft consumes between 20 and 25 per cent less fuel and produces 20 to 25 per cent less carbon dioxide than earlier models.
Sustainable aviation fuel is also expected to play a role in reducing emissions, with Ethiopian Airlines developing its own programme to incorporate lower-carbon fuel blends.
The growth projections align with forecasts by the International Air Transport Association, which expects passenger demand in Ethiopia to triple by 2044.
Aviation already contributes about $2bn to Ethiopia’s gross domestic product and supports more than 500,000 jobs, accounting for 1.2 per cent of the country’s economic activity.
The sector also handles approximately 248,400 tonnes of air cargo annually.
Beyond aircraft operations, Ethiopia has existing facilities that could support its ambitions to become a regional aerospace centre.
Ethiopian Airlines operates Africa’s largest maintenance, repair and overhaul facility, with certifications from the United States Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency to undertake heavy maintenance on Boeing, Airbus and Bombardier aircraft.
Its catering facility produces about 100,000 meals daily, while Ethiopian Aviation University provides technical and professional training for the aviation industry. The institution, which holds International Civil Aviation Organisation Regional Training Centre of Excellence status, aims to enrol 4,000 students annually.
Airbus has identified training, technical instruction and knowledge transfer as areas where it could support Ethiopian companies and professionals, alongside greater collaboration in maintenance and supply chains.
Da Costa said the company was ready to help Ethiopia develop the skills and capabilities required to capitalise on projected growth and establish itself as a centre of aerospace excellence in Africa.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
