The conference, organised by Livelihood Development International Initiatives (LDII) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), along with other partners, aimed to build a unified frontier for responding to future global pandemics.

Upon receiving the award, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, expressed his gratitude and admiration for the team’s efforts. “We are honoured to receive this prestigious recognition for our significant contribution worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. This recognition is a testament to our commitment, dedication, and hard work of our team members, the airline community, and the stakeholders who worked tirelessly with us to keep our operations running smoothly during those difficult times. This award gives us another courage to stay committed to serving our customers and communities, even during unprecedented challenges.”

Mr. Mesfin emphasised the airline’s adaptability and unwavering commitment. “Every flight carried more than just supplies; it carried hope and life. We remain committed to using our global network and expertise to empower communities.”

During the pandemic, Ethiopian Airlines reconfigured approximately 25 passenger aircraft into dedicated cargo freighters, conducting over 470 charter repatriation flights and reuniting more than 63,000 citizens with their families. The airline facilitated the transportation of millions of tons of personal protective equipment, medical apparatus, vaccines, and other essential supplies across Africa and beyond, in collaboration with governmental entities, non-profit organisations, and international agencies.

Throughout its 78-year history, Ethiopian Airlines has demonstrated remarkable adaptability, agility, and resilience, preserving its legacy as one of the continent’s leading carriers, renowned for operational excellence and efficiency. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ethiopian Airlines was one of the few airlines that managed to continue operations, transporting medical supplies, humanitarian aid, and essential personnel to various parts of the world. The airline implemented several strategies amid the pandemic to weather the crisis, including service diversification, precautionary measures, and responsive management.

About Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines Group is one of the fastest-growing airline brands globally and the continent’s largest airline brand. In its seventy-eight years of successful operations, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network, operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian’s fleet includes ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900, and De Havilland Q400.

Ethiopian is pursuing a multi-hub strategy through hubs in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines, and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. Having achieved its strategic plan (Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan, Vision 2035, that aims to make it one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world. Ethiopian has been recognised with various coveted awards, including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for seven consecutive years. The airline has been a Star Alliance member since 2011 and has registered more than threefold growth in the past 10 years.