US Pushes for Share of Ethiopian Airlines' $12.5 Billion Bishoftu Airport Project
The United States is actively seeking participation for American companies in Ethiopian Airlines' $12.5 billion Bishoftu airport project, as Washington competes with China and other powers for infrastructure influence across Africa. Mark Mitchell, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for the Middle East and Africa, confirmed the push during a virtual briefing from the Africa Logistics and Communications Symposium in Addis Ababa, where he also held meetings with Ethiopian Airlines officials. Construction on the four-runway facility, located approximately 45 km southeast of Addis Ababa, began in January 2026, with completion targeted for 2030 and ambitions to position it as a major continental aviation hub.
Mitchell indicated that US involvement could extend to aircraft and engine supply, pointing to the potential for "more Boeing aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines" - a prospect supported by Ethiopian Airlines' April 2026 agreement to purchase six additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, on top of 20 jets already on order. The African Development Bank has pledged $500 million to the project and is leading efforts to raise $8.7 billion of the total financing required. Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew noted earlier this year that US financial institutions had already "expressed interest" in participating, signalling that American engagement with one of Africa's most significant aviation infrastructure projects is gaining momentum.
Source: Reuters
