ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES CEO TELLS CHINESE NEWS AGENCY THAT THE AIRLINE PLANS FOR THREE MORE DESTINATIONS IN CHINA
(Posted 06th April 2019)
Zhenghzou, Shenzhen and Chongqing will become new Ethiopian Airlines destinations, once the Chinese authorities have granted the required landing permits and related licences, which under the existing bilateral air services agreement should be a mere formality.
Ethiopian’s CEO Tewolde Gebremariam was quoted in the media to have said: ‘Ethiopia’s cargo and passenger flight frequencies and destinations need to increase to keep up with the fast-rising ties between African countries and China‘.
He also confirmed plans to increase frequencies to existing destinations like Beijing, Guanghzou and Chengdu, but also to Shanghai and Hong Kong.
In order to attract traffic from the new Chinese destinations has Ethiopian Airlines recently launched a Visa facilitation centre for some 35 African countries, which will allow passengers booked on Ethiopian Airlines flights to take advantage of this service without having to travel to the capital Beijing first to apply for a Visa in person.
Added Gebremariam: ‘The visa scheme will facilitate easier air travel for Chinese experts and business people and reduces their financial cost. We believe the visa scheme will significantly boost China-Africa trade ties and we are very excited about it‘.
It is this unique service which gives Ethiopian Airlines a clear edge over competitors also flying to China, as the all important Visa – not all countries are operating e-Visa schemes as yet – can be obtained when booking the flights.
Ethiopian Airlines is the only African carrier flying to currently 5 destinations in China, including Hong Kong, making it an almost natural choice for travelers from Africa, but also to Africa.
