Ethiopian Airlines and Rwanadair Sign Technical Support Agreement - 20 December, 2013

Ethiopian Airlines, the fastest growing and most profitable airline in Africa, is pleased to announce the signing of a technical support agreement with fellow sisterly African airline, Rwandair on 18 December 2013 in Addis Ababa. Mr. Tewolde Gebremariam, and, Mr. John Mirenge signing the agreement The technical support agreement was signed by Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tewolde Gebremariam, and Rwandair Chief Executive Officer, Mr. John Mirenge. Per the agreement, Ethiopian will provide technical support service to Rwandair as of March 2014 for line maintenance up to A-Check and component exchange support for B737NG and Q400 aircraft. Ethiopian MRO Services will deploy technical team in Kigali to carry out the day to day activities on site while being supported as required from the main base in Addis Ababa. "This agreement with Rwandair is the type of cooperation that is needed to ensure the success of the African aviation industry. We are very pleased to expand our cooperation with Rwandair to the area of MRO. It is only by harnessing our resources and capabilities in Africa and establishing all-round cooperation including in the MRO, commercial and training areas that we will be able to withstand the stiff competition from foreign carriers and succeed in a highly competitive, capital intensive and skill driven industry", said Chief Executive Officer Tewolde Gebremariam. "Rwandair recognizes the important role Ethiopian Airlines has played as a pioneer MRO provider in Africa over the years thus it was imperative that we explore the opportunity for MRO partnership. Agreements such as the momentous one signed here today further strengthen the bond between RwandAir and Ethiopian Airlines while continuing to show the world that the African aviation industry remains a vital catalyst for African economic growth and advancement.", stated Rwandair’s CEO John Mirenge. In line with its Vision 2025 strategic roadmap, Ethiopian MRO Services aims to become the most competitive and leading provider of commercial aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul in Africa by 2025. Ethiopian MRO Services has a certified facility by both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency and has MRO capabilities in Boeing and Bombardier aircraft. About Ethiopian Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) is the fastest growing Airline in Africa. In its operations in the past close to seven decades, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian commands the lion share of the pan-African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 78 international destinations across five continents. Ethiopian fleet includes ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as the Boeing 787, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-200LR Freighter and Bombardier Q-400 with double cabin. In fact, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate these aircraft. Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2025 that will see it become the leading aviation group in Africa with seven business centers: Ethiopian Domestic and Regional Airline; Ethiopian International Passenger Airline; Ethiopian Cargo; Ethiopian MRO; Ethiopian Aviation Academy; Ethiopian In-flight Catering Services; and Ethiopian Ground Service. Ethiopian is a multi-award winning airline registering an average growth of 25% in the past seven years.