Ethiopian Airlines Marks 80 Years of Excellence with Airshow and Cultural Day
Ethiopian Airlines celebrated eight decades of aviation leadership with a Static Airshow and Global Cultural Day yesterday May 14th 2026 attended by Transport Minister H.E. Dr. Alemu Sime, ambassadors, board members, and Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew.
Founded on April 8, 1946, Ethiopian began with a single flight from Addis Ababa to Cairo via Asmara using a Douglas C-47. Today, it is Africa’s largest airline, operating over 170 modern aircraft to more than 145 destinations across five continents.
The carrier has a long history of African firsts: first African jet service (Boeing 720, 1962); first Boeing 767, 777-200LR, 787 Dreamliner, and Airbus A350 on the continent. In 2018, it became the first African airline to operate 100 aircraft.
Resilience defines Ethiopian’s journey. From relocating to Nairobi during political turmoil in 1991 to converting passenger planes for cargo during the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline has consistently turned crises into growth opportunities.
Economically, Ethiopian supports over 500,000 jobs in Ethiopia and contributes roughly $2 billion annually through tourism and related sectors, according to IATA. It has also helped establish Addis Ababa as the diplomatic capital of Africa, home to the African Union.
Looking forward, the airline plans to expand its fleet to 350 aircraft, serve 243 global destinations, and increase annual passengers from 20 million to over 60 million.
Ethiopian’s quality has earned it Skytrax’s “Best Airline in Africa” for eight consecutive years, APEX “Best Overall in Africa,” and multiple passenger experience awards. Most recently, it was named “Airline of the Year for Best Profitability Global Operations” at the AFRAA General Assembly.
“We have bridged gaps, linked nations, and connected economies for eight decades,” said CEO Mesfin Tasew. “This is a remarkable moment for our stakeholders, partners, and customers.”
The anniversary celebration underscored Ethiopian Airlines’ enduring legacy under the theme #80YearsOfExcellence.
