Ethiopian Airlines has confirmed it will operate a four weekly flights between the Capital of Addis Ababa and Manchester Airport.
Ethiopian, which flies to more destinations in Africa than any other carrier, will operate the B-787 on the route with business and economy classes.
The service will start on December 1, initially transiting via Brussels. It will leave Manchester at 19:00, arriving at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport at 06:00, providing significant onward connectivity options from the African hub. On the return it departs Addis Ababa at 00:45 and arrives in Manchester at 06:55.
Manchester Airport CEO Andrew Cowan said:
“While we have served a number of African holiday destinations for many years, this service will provide vital connectivity to one of the continent’s most important hub airports. That will unlock dozens more destinations across Africa through Ethiopian Airlines’ unrivalled network, meaning the North will be better connected to this part of the world than ever before.”
Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Tewolde Gebremariam said:
“We are elated to start services to Manchester, our second destination in the UK next to London Heathrow which we have been serving since 1973… With vast investment and trade potentials between Africa and the UK, the upcoming flight holds the promise of boosting trade, investment and tourism with ample business opportunities for investors and business people from both regions.”
In a statement, the airline said the new route is set to benefit 400,000 people in Manchester Airport’s extensive catchment area, who currently travel to Addis Ababa and other key cities across Africa via other means.
The airline currently flies to 67 international routes across Europe, Asia and the Americas.
