Irish President Arrives in Addis Ababa on-Board Ethiopian B777 from London - 03 November, 2014

The President of the Republic of Ireland, H.E. Dr. Michael F. Higgins, the First Lady, H.E. Ms. Sabina Higgins and their accompanying delegation arrived on 2 November 2014 in Addis Ababa for an official visit on-board Ethiopian flight from London Heathrow with the ultra-modern B777-200 LR.

Ethiopian is highly honored to have the opportunity to serve H.E. President Higgins and the First Lady of Ireland on-board its flight from London with B777-200 LR, the longest range commercial aircraft.

During the visit of H.E. President Higgins to Ethiopia, two important bilateral agreements that will greatly enhance the economic relations between Ethiopia and Ireland are expected to be signed. The first is the bilateral air services agreement and the second is the double taxation avoidance agreement.

"We are highly honored to have been given the opportunity to serve H.E. President Higgins and the First Lady on-board our flight. On behalf of all at Ethiopian, I would like to thank H.E. the President and the First lady and their team for giving us the opportunity to serve them on our flights. His visit comes at an opportune time when Ethiopia with its wealth of natural, historical and cultural tourism attractions is open for tourism.

Ethiopian is finalizing preparations to start three weekly flights to Dublin and Los Angeles in June 2015 using the ultra-modern B787. These flights will be the first direct air connection between Africa and Ireland, and will be critical in enabling increased investment, trade and tourism flows", said CEO of Ethiopian, Mr. Tewolde Gebremariam.

Ethiopian is a global Pan-African carrier currently serving 84 international destinations across 5 continents with over 200 daily flights using the latest technology aircraft such as the B777s and B787s.

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 81 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.