Ethiopian Hires 18 Pilots - 17 December, 2009

The Ethiopian Aviation Academy graduated 18 trainee pilots who have completed the commercial pilot training courses in Instrument and Multi-Engine Ratings on December 17, 2009.

The graduates have taken a two-year training comprising of 695:00 hrs of class instructions and 250:00 hours of practical flight training, both of which were given on single and multi-engine trainer aircraft. As part of the pilot training package, every effort has been exerted to inculcate a high standard of responsibility, discipline and safety among the trainees.

The Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian, Mr. Girma Wake gave out pilot wings and diplomas to all graduates, and achievement awards to three top performing candidates in the over all academic, flying and good governance. Today’s graduates will bring the total number of pilots from the Ethiopian Aviation Academy to 863 since its inception in 1964, of which 577 are Ethiopian nationals. The remaining 304 are nationals from different countries mainly from Africa, the Middle East and a few from Asia and Europe.

CEO of Ethiopian, Mr. Girma Wake, with the graduates

The Ethiopian Aviation Academy plays a pivotal role in the development of commercial aviation in Africa through the training of pilots, aircraft technicians, cabin crew and other professionals.

About Ethiopian

Ethiopian Airlines, one of the largest and fastest growing airlines in Africa, made its maiden flight to Cairo in 1946.

In a ceremony held on November 25, 2009 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, Ethiopian won the NEPAD Transport Infrastructure Excellence Awards 2009.

In July 2009, Ethiopian won ‘Airline of the Year 2009’ award at African Business Award organized by the London based African Business Magazine and Common Wealth Business Council.

In August 2008, Ethiopian won the 2008 Corporate Achievement Award of Aviation & Allied Business for setting the pace towards the development and growth of the African aviation industry.

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.

Ethiopian was the winner of the ‘2008 Best Airline in Africa Award’ at the African Travel Award in Lagos, Nigeria, for its excellent network and convenient connections in Africa.

For more information about this press release, please contact: 

Manager PR & Publications 
Ethiopian Airlines 
Tel: (251-1) 517-89-07 (251-1) 517-81-65 
Fax: (251-1) 661-14-74 
E-mail: publicrelations@ethiopianairlines.com