Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and most profitable airline, has announced a robust financial performance for the 2024/25 fiscal year, with revenue rising by 8% to reach $7.6 billion.
The growth was driven by a significant increase in passenger and cargo traffic, along with strategic expansion of its route network, despite navigating a complex global and regional geopolitical landscape.
In a press conference held on Tuesday, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele reported that the airline passengers boarding during the fiscal year, increase from the previous year.
He attributed this success to the airline’s ability to capitalize on the sustained rebound in international travel and the growing demand for its cargo services.
Passenger ticket sales accounted for 70% of the total revenue, while the remaining 30% was generated from cargo, maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, as well as its hospitality ventures.
The CEO cited a number of global and regional challenges that impacted the airline’s operations, including conflicts in Sudan, the Middle East, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He also mentioned that certain regulatory changes in the United States had an effect on the airline’s operations there.
Despite these hurdles, the state owned Airline continued its strategic expansion, adding six new international destinations during the year and inaugurated a new cargo hub in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The airline also took delivery of new aircraft, including its fourth Airbus A350-1000, and plans to order more regional jets to expand its domestic fleet.
Looking ahead, the airline is continuing to focus on its “Vision 2035” strategy, which aims to make it one of the world’s most competitive and leading aviation groups. The airline’s strong performance, even amid global headwinds, solidifies its position as a dominant player in African aviation and a key contributor to Ethiopia’s economy.
