Ethiopian Airlines Reports USD 4.4 Billion Half-Year Revenue as Fleet Expands. 

Ethiopian Airlines Group generated USD 4.4 billion in revenue during the first half of the current fiscal year, marking a 14 percent increase compared with the same period last year, Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew said on Tuesday.

Briefing the media at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, Mesfin attributed the revenue growth to fleet expansion and higher operational activity, following the addition of seven new aircraft over the period. The Group’s total fleet has now reached 147 aircraft, supporting a denser flight schedule across its global network.

During the six months, Ethiopian Airlines logged nearly 334,000 flight hours and transported 10.64 million passengers, maintaining its position as Africa’s largest carrier by network reach and passenger volume. Mesfin noted, however, that ongoing global conflicts and restrictive visa policies, particularly by the United States, have weighed on traffic flows between Africa and North America.

Despite these headwinds, the airline reported strong performance across multiple business segments, most notably cargo operations. Ethiopian Airlines transported 451,000 tons of cargo, representing a 19 percent year-on-year increase, as demand for air freight and logistics services remained robust.

Network expansion also continued, with Ethiopian Airlines launching new international routes to Hanoi, Vietnam, and Porto, Portugal, among three destinations added during the period. Mesfin said plans to open direct flights to Australia remain part of the airline’s long-term strategy, though implementation will depend on the delivery of additional wide-body aircraft expected around 2028.

The CEO also provided an update on the airline’s planned new international airport project in Bishoftu, located about 40 kilometers south of Addis Ababa. He said around three dozen international contractors have submitted expressions of interest for the multi-billion-dollar project, which is expected to transform Ethiopia’s aviation infrastructure.

According to Mesfin, Ethiopian Airlines is currently preparing a shortlist of bidders and plans to release formal bid documents on March 3, with contractor selection expected within three months. The new airport is projected to cost more than USD 10 billion and, at full capacity, will be able to handle up to 110 million passengers annually.

The first phase of the project is designed to accommodate 60 million passengers per year and is targeted for completion by November 2029, significantly expanding the country’s aviation and logistics capacity.

Ethiopian Airlines has positioned the Bishoftu airport as a strategic investment to support long-term growth, reinforce Addis Ababa’s role as a continental aviation hub, and sustain the Group’s expansion in passenger, cargo, and maintenance services.