Experience the spirit of Africa with Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines – Gateway to Africa
Ethiopian Airlines is one of the most dynamically developing airlines in the world. Its foundations are a modern fleet, professional service, and a constantly expanding route network. Through its main hub in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, the airline serves as a gateway to Africa — a continent full of beautiful and diverse landscapes and a rapidly growing regional economy. Ethiopian is a member of the Star Alliance and also has its own loyalty program, ShebaMiles. Discover Ethiopian Airlines and plan your journey with the airline.
The History of the Airline
Discover Ethiopian Airlines and plan your journey with the airline. Ethiopian Airlines was founded on December 21, 1945, as “Ethiopian Air Lines Inc.” as part of a collaboration between a state-owned enterprise and the American carrier Trans World Airlines (TWA). The airline launched its first flights on April 8, 1946, from Addis Ababa to Cairo.
Best Airline in Africa According to Skytrax
Discover Ethiopian Airlines and plan your journey with the airline. In the prestigious Skytrax 2025 ranking, Ethiopian was named the “Best Airline in Africa” for the eighth consecutive year. The airline was also recognized for its high-standard Economy Class. Skytrax awarded Ethiopian additional titles for “Best Business Class in Africa” and “Best Business Class Onboard Catering.” These awards reflect the airline’s high level of service and its continued commitment to improving quality.
A Rapidly Expanding Fleet
Ethiopian is one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world. From the very beginning, the carrier has implemented pioneering solutions on the African continent. It was the first to introduce jet engines and to operate aircraft such as the B767, B777, and B787 Dreamliner. Ethiopian was also the first in Africa to operate Airbus A350 aircraft, including the A350-900 XWB and A350-1000.
Today, Ethiopian’s modern fleet consists of over 160 aircraft with an average age of less than seven years. The airline is also expecting the delivery of another 100 state-of-the-art aircraft.
Ethiopian Airlines Route Network
Ethiopian Airlines offers an extensive route network across Africa as well as other continents. From the airline’s main hub in Addis Ababa, passengers can travel to major cities in North and South America, including Chicago, New York, Toronto, São Paulo, and Buenos Aires. The schedule also includes flights to Asia and the Middle East, including Bangkok, Beijing, New Delhi, and Dubai. Ethiopian’s route map also covers key European transfer hubs.
ShebaMiles Loyalty Program
ShebaMiles is the loyalty program of Ethiopian Airlines and its partner airlines. Membership is free, and members can earn Miles that provide access to rewards and travel benefits. The number of Miles awarded depends on the flight distance and booking class. Miles can also be earned through cooperation with program partners (e.g., hotel bookings and shopping). Miles collected in the ShebaMiles program can be redeemed for award tickets, upgrades, extra baggage allowance, seat selection, and many other options.
From Warsaw to Addis Ababa
On July 2, 2024, the airline launched year-round flights between Addis Ababa and Warsaw, offering travelers from Poland a convenient “gateway” to Africa. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is the third-largest airport on the African continent, after Johannesburg and Cairo. Ethiopian Airlines operates three weekly flights between Warsaw and Addis Ababa. The flights take place at night, enabling passengers to make convenient onward connections upon arrival at Bole Airport to other destinations across Africa, Asia, and South America.
Ethiopian Airlines flights have created a unique opportunity for developing new business relationships as well as for leisure travel.
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