FG, KSG Commend Ethiopia Airlines Operation to Kaduna

Chinedu Eze

The Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika and the Governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai have commended Africa’s most profitable airline, Ethiopia Airlines for choosing Kaduna as its fifth destination in Nigeria.

They spoke on Tuesday during the inaugural flight of the airline to the Kaduna International Airport, Kaduna, which recently witnessed improved facilities, as it served as alternate airport for the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja when the later was shut down for six weeks for the rehabilitation of its runway.
The duo assured the airline of federal government and state government support as the airline fulfilled its promise to operate to the capital of the North West Nigeria.

THISDAY learnt that the Ethiopian Group, which is a member of Star Alliance colourfully marked the 20th anniversary of Star Alliance, the largest global airline network, while also inaugurating its maiden flight to Kaduna, at a reception held at Ethiopian main hub Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
Ethiopian Group CEO, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam and Star Alliance CEO, Mr. Jeffrey Goh had graced the event; discussing on-going developments and the Alliance’s strategy for the next decade with Ethiopian employees.

While addressing attendees of the celebration, Group CEO Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam remarked, “We are glad to celebrate this momentous occasion at Ethiopian and wish all members of the Alliance a Happy 20th Anniversary. We are sincerely honoured and are very thankful for Mr. Jeffrey for joining us here today. Dedicated to innovation for a thriving customer experience across the Alliance’s network, Star Alliance has benefited member airlines and customers with its worldwide reach and seamless connectivity. In a historic coincidence, the inaugural ceremony of our fifth destination in Nigeria, Kaduna has matched with the 20th anniversary celebration. As a Pan-African airline and a proud member of Star Alliance, we are pleased to avail seamless connectivity to 55 African cities. I strongly believe that the future holds better collaboration and growth for all of us in the Alliance.”

CEO of Star Alliance, Goh said: “One of the founding pillars of Star Alliance is our global network, which strengthens continuously as our 28 member airlines grow their individual networks. Ethiopian Airlines’ new flight to Kaduna in Nigeria adds a further destination to over 1,300 already on offer to our customers. As we move into our third decade, our strategic focus is shifting from adding new member airlines to digitalisation. We are steadily enhancing our product offering to include the complementary digital services today’s customers expect.”