Star Alliance Members, Ethiopian and Austrian Airlines, Enter into Codeshare Agreement - 04 June, 2014

Ethiopian Airlines (ET), the fastest growing and most profitable airline in Africa, has entered into a codeshare partnership with Austrian Airlines (OS), the flag carrier of Austria, effective June 2, 2014.

Ethiopian started four direct weekly flights to Vienna on 2 June 2014 and this agreement will offer greater connectivity options for customers of the two airlines. Ethiopian will market Austrian flights to Amsterdam, Geneva, Prague, Warsaw, Zurich, Leipzig and Munich while Austrian Airlines will market Ethiopian flights to Vienna and African destinations.

The Addis - Vienna codeshare flights will be operated as per the below schedule:

Through the codeshare agreement with Austrian Airlines, which has a strong network in Central and Eastern Europe, Ethiopian aims to provide seamless and convenient connectivity options for travelers between Africa and cities in Central and Eastern Europe. Likewise, the agreement will provide seamless and smooth connectivity to Austrian Airlines customers to a wide variety of destinations in Africa viaEthiopian gateway, Addis Ababa.

Marking the occasion, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Tewolde Gebremariam, said: "We are very pleased to start codeshare flights with our fellow Star partner Austrian Airlines. I want to personally thank the CEO of Austrian, Jaan Albrecht, as well as all the management and staff at Austrian who have contributed to the conclusion of the agreement. This agreement will enable our two carriers to greatly expand our market reach and to offer wider choice of destinations to our customers travelling between Africa and cities in Central and Eastern Europe."

"The connection of Ethiopian Airlines to Vienna International Airport is not only a recognition of our hub in Vienna but also strengthens the Austrian Airlines network. Starting today we are able to offer optimal connecting flights to the passengers of Ethiopian Airlines, especially within Central and Eastern Europe. And of course our guests will greatly benefit from the new direct connection to Addis Ababa", adds Jaan Albrecht, CEO of Austrian Airlines.

Ethiopian is a global Pan-African carrier currently serving 82 international destinations across 5 continents with over 200 daily flights and 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.