Ethiopian to Start Flights to Seoul - 07 May, 2013

Seoul is the fourth largest metropolitan economy in the world, after Tokyo, New York and Los Angeles. It is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Changdeok Palace, Hwaseong Fortress, Tongmyo Shrine and the Royal Tombs of Joseon Dynasty. The city is also known for a number of modern landmarks including Lotte World, the world’s largest indoor theme park, Moonlight Rainbow Fountain and many more attractions.

Mr. Tewolde Gebremariam, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian said: "With Africa’s economic boom and its growing trade, investment, business and tourism ties with Asia in general and South Korea in particular, Ethiopian is pleased to provide the essential air connectivity that will serve as the engine for the continued growth of these relations. With our Seoul flights, we will be able to offer easy and convenient connections thru our main hub in Addis Ababa to passengers travelling either for business or leisure between Africa and South Korea. As the national carrier of Ethiopia, we are also very happy to start these flights at a historical moment when Ethiopia and South Korea are celebrating the 50th year of the establishment of their diplomatic relations."

With this new flight, Seoul will be connected to dozens of cities in Africa via Ethiopian main hub in Addis Ababa. Convenient connections will be available to and from major African cities such as Johannesburg, Nairobi, Lagos, Accra and Dar-es-Salaam.

Seoul will be Ethiopian 73rd international destination. The inclusion of Seoul into Ethiopian network is part of Ethiopian Vision 2025 of connecting Africa with the major world economic and financial hubs.

About Ethiopian

Ethiopian Airlines, the fastest growing airline in Africa, made its maiden international flight to Cairo in 1946 and now the Airline provides dependable services to 72 international destinations spanning four continents.

Ethiopian is proud to be a Star Alliance Member. The Star Alliance network is the leading global airline network offering customers convenient worldwide reach and a smoother travel experience. The Star Alliance network offers more than 21,555 daily flights to 1,356 airports in 193 countries.

Ethiopian is a multi-award winner for its commitment and contributions towards the development and growth of the African aviation industry and in recognition of its distinguished long-haul operations enhanced by the introduction of new routes and products. Recently, Ethiopian won "Airline Reliability Performance Award" from the Bombardier Aerospace; "African Airline of the Year Award" from Air Transport Quarterly Magazine; "Transformation Award 2012" from Planet Africa Network; "International Diamond Prize for Excellence in Quality" from the European Society for Quality Research (ESQR). Also Captain Desta Zeru, Vice-President of Flight Operations, won "Africa Legend of Travel" award from African Travel Quarterly (ATQ) magazine; and Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Tewolde Gebremariam, won "African CEO of the year" from the African CEO Forum as well as "African Business Leader of the Year" award from the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA).

With its acquisition of and firm orders for several new modern fleet, the airline is well positioned to pursue aggressively the implementation of its 2025 strategic plan to become the leading aviation group in Africa.