Ethiopian Airlines Named "Official Carrier of Southern Sudans Independence Celebration" - 12 July, 2011

Ethiopian Airlines is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed the task of serving as an official carrier for the celebration of the Southern Sudan independence.

Ethiopian has operated many extra flights as well as charter flights in addition to the daily regular services to transport invited guests, VIPs and event participants to and from the capital, Juba. Ethiopian has also cooperated with the government of Southern Sudan on ground services to enable the Juba airport accommodate the heavy traffic during the celebration.

Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines said, "The fact that we are chosen as an official carrier reaffirms that Ethiopian is an airline of choice to its customers." He added, "Ethiopian has been committed to connect The Republic of Southern Sudan to the rest of the world offering convenient connection to/from the rest of Africa, Europe, US, the Middle East and Asia allowing passengers to have a wider range of choices."

Ethiopian added Juba into its network on November 16, 2006 and Malakal on June 17, 2011 reinforcing the ties between people of Southern Sudan and Ethiopia.

About Ethiopian

Ethiopian Airlines, one of the most successful and leading airlines in Africa, made its maiden flight to Cairo in 1946. With the addition of new flight services to Milan, Ethiopian provides dependable services to 63 international destinations spanning four continents.

Recently, Ethiopian received the 2011 “AIRLINE RELIABILITY PERFORMANCE AWARD" from Bombardier aircraft manufacturer based in Canada. Besides, Ethiopian scooped the 2010 “Silver Boeing Performance Excellence Award” for its outstanding performance at the Wire Kit Harness Manufacturing Plant. In 2009, Ethiopian received the “NEPAD Transport Infrastructure Excellence Award” and “Airline of the Year" award from the African Airlines Association (AFRAA). Ethiopian is also the first African carrier to win the 2008 Brussels Airport Company Award in recognition of its distinguished long haul operations witnessed through the introduction of new routes, new products, and close cooperation with Brussels Airport in marketing activities.