In a letter sent to the DOJ on June 19, 2024, Paul Cassel, a lawyer representing 15 families, said the large fine was justified because Boeing精东影业 鈥渃rime is the deadliest corporate crime in US history鈥� and therefore 鈥渓egally justified and clearly appropriate鈥�. 

In May 2024, the DOJ decided that Boeing violated its 2021 deferred prosecution agreement put in place following the 737 MAX fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019.聽 聽

Under the agreement, Boeing was forced to pay a $2.5 billion settlement and agree to abide by several conditions in the future.   

The DOJ found that Boeing violated that agreement when a plug door separated from an Alaska Airlines 737-8 MAX on January 5, 2024, just two days before it was set to expire.  

Last week Boeing denied it had violated the 2021 deferred prosecution agreement. The DOJ has until July 7, 2024, to inform a judge how it wishes to proceed.  

The letter was sent on behalf of the victim精东影业 relatives after Dave Calhoun, the CEO of Boeing, appeared in front of senators at the in Washington DC.聽

There Calhoun was grilled about 鈥淏oeing精东影业 broken safety culture鈥� and asked why he had not resigned since the Alaska Airlines incident.  

In 2018 all 189 people on Lion Air Flight 610 died in a crash and in 2019 Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed killing all 157 onboard. Both planes were Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.聽聽

Exploring the use of robotics and automation to enhance airport ground handling

• Aviation Technology and Innovation

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-07-06

The newly inaugurated domestic terminal will be the main connecting hub for Ethiopian精东影业 domestic operations, which serve over 200 flights to and from 22 domestic destinations daily. The expanded terminal features modernized airport systems and facilities including four new contact gates, 10 remote departure gates, 22 check-in counters with an automated hold baggage screening system, self-check-in kiosks, a modern security screening system, and a premium-class VIP lounge.  

According to the airport, these enhancements will 鈥渟treamline passenger flow, improve comfort levels, and enhance the overall travel experience鈥�.聽

Ethiopian Airlines Group精东影业 CEO, Mesfin Tasew, expressed his delight at the new terminal to reporters, emphasizing the commitment of Ethiopian Airlines Group to elevate the standard of airport services and experience, while the new facility serves as an important facility for facilitating the country’s integration, socio-economic development, and promoting the tourism and hospitality sector. 

鈥淭he Domestic terminal expansion and renovation at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is a significant addition to our initiative of modernizing and renovating airports and aviation facilities in the country,鈥� said Mesfin. 鈥淎s the demand in domestic travel is growing, the completion of this project would allow us to offer a smooth travel experience to our esteemed passengers.鈥� 

Mesfin added that, amid the fast-growing demand for domestic air transport services and recent developments in the country’s tourism sector, the domestic terminal in Addis Ababa has necessitated major expansion and renovation works to meet the growing demand. 

The CEO noted that the new terminal, built by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), will not only increase the airline’s capacity to handle more travelers but also enhance passengers’ overall travel experience to an international standard of domestic air transport service. 

Ethiopian eyes future growth strategy 

The Ethiopian national flag carrier declared that its focus on boosting passenger experience aligns with the airline’s broader aspiration of solidifying Ethiopia’s position as a global tourism destination. 

According to the carrier, the new terminal forms just one part of its future strategy to modernize aviation facilities and enhance air transport services in Ethiopia. The airline has recently initiated thrice-weekly passenger flights to Dembi Dollo Airport (DEM), along with other new terminals at the Gode (GDE) and Jinka Baco (BCO) airports within the country.  

Ethiopian Airlines鈥� 15-year strategic plan, known as 鈥榁ision 2035鈥�, aims for the company to become one of the most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world by providing safe, secure, market-driven, and customer-focused passenger and cargo transport, aviation training, airport management, and ground services, among others.聽

Meanwhile, plans are underway elsewhere to open several additional airports in the coming months, and the inauguration of further domestic services including a thrice-weekly service to Nekemte (NEK) and the reinstatement of daily flights between Addis Ababa to Axum Airport (AXU). 

Ethiopia精东影业 Minister of Tourism Nasise Chali said that the renovated and expanded domestic passenger terminal will play a crucial role in streamlining the country’s tourism sector by providing a better travel experience to domestic and international travelers and tourists, while also augmenting the country’s image. 

Ethiopian Airlines Group is one of the fastest-growing airline brands globally and the continent精东影业 largest airline brand. In its 78 years of operations, the carrier has come to command the lion精东影业 share of the African passenger and cargo network. It operates Africa精东影业 youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents.  

Ethiopian精东影业 fleet category consists of 137 aircraft, including the Airbus A350, Boeing 737, 777, 787, and Bombardier Dash 8-400. The airline is also pursuing a multi-hub African expansion strategy through hubs in Lom茅, Togo (LFW) with ASKY, Lilongwe, Malawi (LLW) with Malawi Airlines, and in Lusaka, Zambia (LUN) with Zambia Airways.聽聽

Wizz Air celebrates 20 years of budget-friendly flights

• Airlines

byClement Charpentreau

2024-05-19

The new service will operate with a frequency of four times per week and will be a prolongation of the existing route between Addis Ababa and Athens (ATH), Greece.

Starting June 16, 2024, the outbound flight will depart Addis Ababa for Athens and Warsaw on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and return on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Ethiopian Airlines will deploy its Boeing 737 MAX 8 narrow body aircraft on this route. These aircraft are fitted with a two-class cabin with 160 seats, 16 in business and 144 in economy class.  

Although the official announcement does not make any reference to any potential codesharing, both Ethiopian Airlines and Poland精东影业 flag carrier, LOT, are members of Star Alliance.

Ethiopian Airlines marks 78th anniversary with CEO, COO serving on Cairo flight

• Airlines

byJean Carmela Lim

1 minute read

To mark this milestone, the airline精东影业 CEO Mesfin Tassew and COO Lemma Yadecha flew with crew on a Bole Addis Ababa International Airport (ADD) to Cairo International Airport (CAI) flight and provided inflight services to passengers.

According to Ethiopian Airlines, the executives鈥� involvement extended beyond inflight duties, as they also provided assistance to passengers during check-in and boarding processes.

Passengers on the special flight also received packages in time for Eid, which included a postcard commemorating the anniversary.

鈥淭his event symbolizes our unwavering commitment to our passengers and our belief that true leadership lies in serving others first,鈥� Tassew said in a statement.

鈥淪erving our passengers on this special flight to Cairo is not just a tribute to our first international service but a reaffirmation of our commitment to the ethos of servant leadership,鈥� he continued.

Tassew added: 鈥淔rom our humble beginning back in 1946, we鈥檝e come to be the aviation giant in Africa that we are now, pioneering African aviation with many first aviation innovation introductions to Africa along the way.鈥�

Meanwhile, Yadecha said: 鈥漈his anniversary is a celebration of unity and diversity. By stepping into the roles of our dedicated ground and flight crew, we honor every individual who has been part of our story. Our service today is a promise of continued service excellence for all our passengers.鈥�

Wholly owned by the country精东影业 government, Ethiopian Airlines was founded on December 21, 1945, and commenced operations on April 8,1946, expanding to international flights in 1951.

Boeing lands first ever African Boeing 777X order from Ethiopian Airlines

• Aircraft
• Airlines

byIan Molyneaux

2024-03-06

According to a report issued by the Somaliland Civil Aviation and Airports Authority (SCAAA), an Emirates Boeing 777 and an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 narrowly avoided a mid-air collision while flying over its territory on the date in question. More concerning still, is that the incident is the second of this nature within a month over the same airspace, raising concerns over the risks of flying in the area and the competency of the country精东影业 air traffic control service.聽

According to data obtained from Flightradar24, the Emirates 777 was en route from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Dubai International Airport (DXB) operating as flight EK722. The flight was one of two flights that are operated by Emirates daily between the two cities. On March 24, 2024, flight EK722 took off from Nairobi at 19:54 UTC and safely touched down in Dubai at 00:29 UTC. 

The other aircraft involved was an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 en route from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) to Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in India. Flight ET690 departed Addis Ababa at 20:36 UTC and landed without further incident in Bengalaru at 01:55 UTC.聽

The incident occurred as both flights were in the cruise at 37,000ft over Somaliland. According to the report, the two aircraft 鈥渘arrowly avoided a collision鈥� around 21:43 UTC as their flight paths converged on a single waypoint. Allegedly, the flights had received contradictory instructions from air traffic controllers in Mogadishu, Somalia精东影业 capital, according to the SCAAA. 

Upon notification of the converging flight paths, the crew of the Ethiopian Airlines plane initiated an immediate climb to 39,000ft to ensure safe separation was maintained and to avoid a possible collision.聽聽

Despite the severity of the SCAAA report, Emirates has since taken to social media to refute any suggestion that the two aircraft almost collided.  

鈥淓mirates can affirm that there was no occurrence of an aircraft proximity incident compromising safety over the airspace and during the specified date and time. All Emirates aircraft are capable of maintaining safe separation and distance during operations,鈥� the airline commented in a statement.  

Presumably, with both aircraft involved being relatively modern and with both likely to have functioning traffic collision and reporting systems (TCAS) active, the crews of both planes were already aware of each other and had already identified a possible confliction issue, hence the Ethiopian crew taking avoidance action.   

A second occurrence  

However, whether it was the air traffic controllers, the crews, or TCAS that can take the credit on this occasion, it is likely to heighten the awareness of aircrews flying in the region with this being the second such incident in recent weeks.聽聽

The earlier incident (in February 2024) involved a Qatar Airways 787 and an Ethiopian Airlines A350 both flying about 180 nautical miles northeast of Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland. The Qatar Dreamliner was cruising at 38,000 ft and in contact with Mogadishu ATC. The Ethiopian A350 was at 39,000 ft in contact with Hargeisa controllers.聽

Having been instructed to climb to 40,000 ft, and while ascending through 38,500 ft, the crew of the Qatar Airways plane aircraft received a TCAS resolution advisory to descend immediately. The crew descended their aircraft to 38,000 ft and a possible collision was averted.聽聽

London-Heathrow welcomes first passenger-carrying Boeing 747 in eight months聽聽

• Aircraft
• Airport

byLuke Peters

2024-03-28

Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines both announced on March 5, 2024, that the East African carrier had purchased eight 777-9 jets, with the option for 12 more in the future.聽聽

Ethiopian Airlines鈥� selection of the 777X positions the carrier as the first 777X customer in Africa and builds on its landmark 2023 order for 11 787 Dreamliners and 20 737 MAX jets. 

“We are pleased to continue setting the trend in African aviation by adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance our services and customer satisfaction. Improving our operational performance and commitment to environmental sustainability, the 777-9 offers more flexibility, reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions,” Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mesfin Tasew, said.  

The CEO added: “We are grateful to Boeing for their long-standing partnership and support, and we eagerly anticipate flying the 777-9 across the African skies and beyond.” 

Boeing planes make up more than half of Ethiopian Airlines’ current fleet, including 29 787 Dreamliners, 20 777s, three 767s, 27 Next-Generation 737s and 15 737 MAX jets.聽

Exciting news from Ethiopian Airlines! We're thrilled to announce our plans for fleet expansion with the acquisition of state-of-the-art 777X jets from Boeing.

— Ethiopian Airlines (@flyethiopian)

The 777-9, which is yet to be certified, is based on the 777 while using advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner family. 

“Ethiopian Airlines marks yet another first in our longstanding partnership by selecting the 777-9 to be the flagship of its growing fleet,” Brad McMullen, Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, said. “Building on a relationship that goes back 75 years, we deeply value the unwavering trust and confidence Ethiopian Airlines puts in our airplanes.” 

The 777-9 will support Ethiopian Airlines鈥� plans to grow and renew its fleet in size, range and passenger and cargo capacity to reach high-demand markets in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. 

As part of its Vision 2035, Ethiopia Airlines is planning to fly to more than 209 international destinations flying more than 271 modern and eco-friendly aircraft. 

Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook forecasts Africa’s annual air traffic growth at more than 7% through 2042 鈹� the third-highest growth rate among global regions and above the global average of approximately 6%.聽 聽

Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer all winners with huge American Airlines order聽聽

• Airlines
• Aviation

byLuke Peters

2024-03-05

The incident occurred at around 14:00 local time on January 18, 2024 on flight ET106 as the aircraft arrived from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD).

The aircraft, registered ET-AVS, was built in 2018. 

According to reports, the mishap was caused by flat tyres, which resulted in the aircraft精东影业 left maingear collapsing and its left wing and prop hitting the ground.

All passengers and crew onboard managed to escape without injury. 

An investigation into the incident is now underway. 

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is known.

Ethiopian Airlines secures $450 million loan for Boeing 737 MAX 8s and 777Fs聽聽聽

• Airlines
• Aviation Economics & Finance

byIan Molyneaux

2023-12-20

The loan agreement will be used to acquire three Boeing 737 MAX 8s and two Boeing 777 Freighters, boosting Ethiopian Airlines fleet to more than 150 planes.聽聽

Citi and Ethiopian Airlines have been working together for 45 years and the newly announced loan represents the bank精东影业 largest aircraft financing in Ethiopia within the last decade.  

In a statement released on December 12, 2023, Citi confirmed that the loan will be secured against the value of the five planes. 

Delivery of all the aircraft will be completed in the State of Washington, where Boeing is based, in December 2023.  

鈥淲e are pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with Citi to secure a USD $450 million loan. This financing will allow us to expand our fleet size by adding five new aircraft, three B737-8 MAXs and two 777 Freighter. We are grateful for the mutually beneficial partnership we have established with Citi and look forward to further strengthening it. Fleet expansion being one of our strategic growth pillars, we will continue expanding and modernizing our fleet size so as to grow our business and reach new markets,鈥� Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, said. 

Ethiopian Airlines is considered one of Africa精东影业 most successful indigenous companies and has ambitions to grow its fleet to over 270 aircraft by 2035. 

鈥淐iti has been serving Ethiopian Airlines for many decades, and we are pleased to support its growth with financing for five new aircraft. A lot of work has gone into getting this deal off the ground, and it is thanks to Citi精东影业 strong relationships and connectivity both within the country and across our global network that we have been able to make it happen,鈥� Akin Dawodu, Sub Saharan Africa Head, said.聽

Ethiopian Airlines鈥� current fleet consists of Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900s and Bombardier Dash 8-400 planes.聽聽

Mexicana精东影业 former military Boeing 737 completes first test flight in new livery

• Airlines

byIan Molyneaux

2023-12-20

The commitment to the additional aircraft takes the Ethiopian flag carrier精东影业 total order of A350 to 33, including four A350-1000s. 

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates a fleet of 20 A350-900s and the MoU will make the airline Africa’s biggest A350 customer. 

鈥淲e are excited to place this commitment for 11 Airbus A350-900s. As a customer focused airline, we are particularly excited for this fleet as it offers extra comfort to passengers with its features like the quietest cabin in its class and ambient lighting. We are keen to expand our fleet size, acquiring the latest technology aircraft to offer a convenient and memorable onboard experience to our esteemed passengers,鈥� Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said in a press statement.

Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, said: 鈥淓thiopian Airlines is a great example of how to leverage the exceptional values of the A350 for long-haul travel, playing on the benefits of Ethiopia精东影业 unique geographical position that offers the fastest connections between China and Latin America. We are delighted to further strengthen Ethiopian Airlines fleet, and through this, continue the great relationship we have built up together.鈥� 

The MoU was signed the day after Ethiopian announced that it would be purchasing up to 67 new Boeing aircraft.

Ethiopian Airlines to purchase up to 67 Boeing jets as CEO promises more orders

• Aircraft
• Airlines
• Dubai Airshow 2023

byIan Molyneaux

2023-11-14

Ethiopian Airlines Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mesfin Tasew, confirmed on November 14, 2023, that the order includes the purchase of up to 20 737 MAX 8 aircraft with the option for 21 more, and 11 787-9 Dreamliners, with the possibility of another 15 in the future. 

“We are pleased to announce that Ethiopian Airlines has reached a deal with Boeing to place a firm order for 31 ultra-modern airplanes, with opportunity for 36 additional jets,” Mesfin Tasew said. “This order will enable us to modernize and increase our fleet in support of Ethiopian Airlines’ growth plan and our Vision 2035 Strategy.鈥�  

Tasew added: 鈥淭hrough this deal, we have solidified our decades-old exemplary business partnership with Boeing. The 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX demonstrate Ethiopian Airlines’ environmentally conscious decisions and its commitment to serve passengers with the latest technologically advanced airplanes.”聽

During the press conference, the airline精东影业 CEO indicated that the newly announced order was by no means its final order and more could come in the months ahead.  

Tasew said he expected to take delivery of the new jets from 2026 to 2030. Ethiopian Airlines currently has 25 aircraft already on order, comprising of four Airbus and 21 Boeing.  

As part of the new agreement, Ethiopian Airlines鈥� existing 787 Dreamliners will also undergo cabin retrofits.  

“Ethiopian Airlines continues its leadership as one of Africa’s preeminent airlines with this landmark commitment to expand their 787 and 737 MAX fleets,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing.  

McCullen added: “Ethiopian was the first African airline to take delivery of the 787, and the Dreamliner family continues to play an integral role in its long-haul fleet. With their decades of experience operating our single-aisle and widebody jets, we appreciate Ethiopian Airlines’ confidence in our products and the strength of our relationship after more than 75 years of collaboration.” 

Boeing has made announced a series of orders at the this year.

Abelo signs deal for up to 20 ATR 72-600 aircraft

• Airlines
• Dubai Airshow 2023

byClement Charpentreau

2023-11-14