Ethiopian airlines announced that it had concluded agreements with the government of Chad to begin the services of Chad National Carrier. As per the agreements, Ethiopian Airlines owns 45% of the total shareholding while the government of Chad owns the remaining 51%. The airline’s CEO, Ato Tewolde Gebremariam, said, “The strategy equity partnership in the launching of the new Chad national carrier is part of our Vision 2025, multiple hub strategy in Africa.” He added, “The new Chad National Carrier will serve as a strong hub in Central Africa availing domestic, regional, and eventually international air connectivity to the major destinations in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.”

Ethiopian airlines recently signed agreements with Zambia to restart Zambian Airlines’ service with an initial cost of USD 30 million. Malawi Airlines is also managed and run by the airline based on a deal signed in 2013. It is also preparing to launch Ethiopian Mozambique Airlines.

In May, the airline had announced that it was negotiating with Chad, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea to set up carriers through joint ventures. It also said it had plans to establish a new airline in Mozambique which it will fully own.

Source: Fana BC and Reuters