Ethiopian Airlines has announced plans to increase the number of flights out of Russia and will emphasize expanding operations beyond Moscow.
Speaking at the Tatarstan – Ethiopia roundtable as part of the BRICS Summit on Tuesday, Michale Endale, the airline’s area manager, revealed that the company aims to introduce more routes from Russian regional airports in the near future.
“We currently operate from your country, from Moscow, four times a week,” Endale stated. “We want to increase the number of flights in the near future and are working towards making this a reality.” He also emphasized the airline’s role in cargo transportation, noting that “we are the main carrier and Africa’s largest transport hub. We are always happy to assist with any logistical challenges.”
Oleg Korobchenko, deputy prime minister and minister of industry and trade of the Republic of Tatarstan, suggested that Ethiopian Airlines is considering Kazan Airport as a second Russian hub. He highlighted that the airport had expanded its apron in preparation for the BRICS Summit and plans to build a new terminal, making it an ideal candidate for the airline’s regional expansion.
Ethiopian Airlines has been ranked as Africa’s largest airline by both revenue and profit by the International Air Transport Association.
The company has seen a significant uptick in Russian travelers since air traffic resumed with Russia in August 2022. Elena Konstantinova, senior sales and advertising manager for Ethiopian Airlines, revealed that over 13,000 Russian tourists flew to Africa via the airline between August 2022 and May 2023, with around 1,000 traveling directly to Ethiopia.
The airline’s popularity is not limited to African destinations. Russian travelers frequently fly through Addis Ababa to other international locations, including Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, Tanzania, the Seychelles, and various destinations in Asia, such as Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manila.
The Ethiopian delegation led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali arrived in Kazan on Tuesday to participate in the BRICS Summit.
BRICS was initially founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining the group in 2010. This year, four more countries officially joined the bloc, including Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia, which was also invited to become a member, also participates in BRICS events but has not yet finalized the ratification process.