Ethiopian Airlines chief executive Tewolde Gabremariam has said African governments should purchase a stake in the carrier. This would make the carrier not only the largest airline in Africa by profit and revenue but also an African-owned airline.
According to African Business Central, the continent’s fragmented airspace would enjoy increased connectivity besides the establishment of strategic alliances and reviving African carriers if this plan were to be realised.
“As a Pan-African airline, I don’t see any reason why we should not sell the minority shares of Ethiopian Airlines to African countries if they are interested in buying,” he said.
Earlier this year, the Ethiopian government announced plans to privatise the airline to facilitate foreign investment.
Ethiopia is currently opening up its market to foreign investment under the new leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as the country makes efforts towards increased economic development. The country has for the longest time been running on state-owned companies in various sectors such as telecommunications and aviation.
