Ethiopian Airlines Marks 80 Years of Service with Milestone Celebrations
Ethiopian Airlines has commemorated 80 years of operation, with Group CEO Mesfin Tasew officially opening anniversary celebrations at a press conference held at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa on 8 April 2026. The airline began operations in April 1946 with five Douglas C-47 aircraft, operating a scheduled service to Cairo via Asmara. Over eight decades, it has grown into Africa's leading airline by number of aircraft, destinations served, revenue, and passengers carried.
Speaking at the event, Tasew described the milestone as significant not only for the airline's management and staff, but also for its partners, stakeholders, and customers. "We have bridged gaps, linked nations, and connected economies for eight decades," he said. The press conference marks the first in a series of commemorative events planned in the coming days. From its early fleet of Douglas C-47, Convair 240, and DC-6B aircraft, Ethiopian Airlines has evolved into a continental technology leader, pioneering the introduction of ultra-modern aircraft across Africa.
Source: Ethiopian Airlines
