Ethiopian Airlines sets target date for flights to Australia

Ethiopian Airlines is firming up long-rumoured plans to launch direct flights to Australia, with a target year now given for the start of operations. 

Speaking last week, group chief executive officer Mesfin Tasew said the airline needed additional widebodies to make the extra-long route viable. 

Securing these, he said, would push the launch date to 2028 at the earliest. 

Ethiopian Airlines seeks to add Australia to route map

Launching flights to Australia would allow Ethiopian Airlines to close the final gap in its market. At present, only Oceania remains the final corner of the globe not yet on the carrier’s route map.

Tasew told reporters last week: “We need to secure at least two large aircraft to operate to the continent.”

In comments reported by the African Press Agency, he added: “It will take at least two years to receive aircraft from manufacturers.

“We will most likely start flying to Australia in 2028, either by renting or purchasing, as a larger batch of aircraft will arrive after that year.”

Aircraft delays may yet scupper that launch date, however. Supply chain disruption and extended timelines for manufacturing mean airlines are not receiving new aircraft deliveries when expected.

Nevertheless, Ethiopian has made clear its intentions once it has the equipment to operate. As yet, the airline hasn’t indicated which cities in Australia could see service first.

The great circle distance between the Ethiopian capital and Perth is 5,046 nmi, and to Sydney it is 6,819 nmi. From London Heathrow to Perth, which is currently operated non-stop by Qantas in an approximately 17-hour trip, the distance is 7,829 nmi. Environmental and economic conditions will play a factor in which routes are feasible. 

Ethiopian is keen to connect Australasia with African hub

The idea of an Australian connection for Ethiopian Airlines has been mooted for some time. 

Last summer, Telila Deressa Gutema, the regional manager for Ethiopian Airlines in the Asia-Pacific region, revealed that the airline was actively pursuing the new route and had begun the search for suitable widebody aircraft to support the launch.

“In my role as regional manager for Ethiopian Airlines, responsible for Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, I have been driving forward our strategic goal of expanding our services to Australia,” Gutema said in July.

“The groundwork has been laid, and the stage is set for this significant milestone.”

Both South African Airways and Qantas currently operate direct flights between Australia and South Africa.

The former links Johannesburg with Perth, and the Australian flag carrier connects Sydney with Johannesburg.

According to Gutema, Ethiopian is specifically looking to source either Airbus A350s or Boeing 787 Dreamliners via lease or purchase. 

How does Ethiopian’s fleet support this goal?

The airline currently has widebody orders in for both types, on top of its existing fleet comprising 26 A350s (four A350-1000s and 22 A350-900s), 30 Dreamliners (20 B787-8s, and 10 B787-9s), plus six B777-200LRs and five B777-300ERs.

“To all aircraft lessors, leasing companies, and owners with A350s or B787 Dreamliners available for lease or sale, we are looking for you! Reach out to me directly, and I will facilitate the connection with our headquarters in Addis,” he said.

“At Ethiopian Airlines, we embody resilience and unwavering commitment. Just like our ethos, I ensure that every endeavour I undertake is seen through to completion. Australia is no exception!” he added.

“This route isn’t just about connecting two destinations; it signifies a bold statement. Ethiopian Airlines will bridge Africa and Australia seamlessly, proudly, and with the utmost dedication.”

“Get ready for the imminent arrival of The New Spirit of Africa!”

Strong financial footing bodes well for expansion

Financially speaking, Ethiopian Airlines is in a strong position to trial a new long-haul route launch, which can initially prove hard to make profitable. 

The group announced earlier this month that it had achieved revenues of $4.4 billion in the first six months of the current Ethiopian fiscal year, starting in July 2025. 

“This amount exceeds our forecasts by 2% and shows an increase of 14% compared to the same period last year,” Tasew was quoted as saying.

Featured image: Markus Mainka / stock.adobe.com