Ethiopian Airlines is spreading its wings, with the announcement that it is to start a service to Manchester (UK).
Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner departing Stockholm Arlanda – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
The airline is to start a four-times a week service between Addis Ababa and Manchester, initially operating the outbound flight from Addis Ababa as a tag-on flight between Brussels National and Manchester Airport.
DEPART ADD 00:45 ARRIVE MAN 06:55 (operates via BRU) DEPART MAN 19:00 ARRIVE ADD 06:00 (non stop) Commences: 1st December 2018 Booked Equipment: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (two class configuration) Data: Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines will operate a two class configuration, with lead-in prices starting from £499 in Economy Class, and business class from £1,999.
The airline claims that the new route will “serve as a key trade route for Northern businesses, opening up fresh export opportunities and delivering cost and journey time savings to those already operating there”.
Onto the quotes. Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Tewolde Gebremariam on the launch states:
“We are elated to start services to Manchester, our second destination in the UK next to London Heathrow which we have been serving since 1973. As the leading African carrier with the widest network in the continent, passengers from Manchester will enjoy convenient and seamless connectivity options to 58 African destinations operated with cutting-edge fleet like the B-787 and A350 which offer our passengers unparalleled comfort on-board our flights, along with our African flavoured Ethiopian hospitality.”
“The socio-economic implication of the new flight is immense. With vast investment and trade potentials between Africa and the UK, the upcoming flight holds the promise of boosting trade, investment and tourism with ample business opportunities for investors and business people from both regions.”
Manchester Airport CEO Andrew Cowan goes on to say:
“The introduction of this route underlines the critical role Manchester Airport plays in connecting the people and businesses of the North to the world’s most important markets.
“While we have served a number of African holiday destinations for many years, this service will provide vital connectivity to one of the continent’s most important hub airports.
“That will unlock dozens more destinations across Africa through Ethiopian Airlines’ unrivalled network, meaning the North will be better connected to this part of the world than ever before.”
The continuing drive of airlines to look beyond the London region and connect directly with other regions of the UK is a great thing to see.
Four flights a week is enough to be considered a serious commitment rather than experimental for an airline, and providing the growth is there – anything is possible.
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