Ethiopian Airlines Eyes Australia
Ethiopian Airlines is making significant strides in connecting Africa and Oceania by actively pursuing Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s to launch its inaugural direct service to Australia. This ambitious move aims to bridge a critical gap in air travel between the two continents, presenting exciting new opportunities for African travel agents.
Currently, only a handful of airlines offer direct flights between Africa and Australia. Qantas connects Sydney and Johannesburg up to six times a week with their A380, while also planning a new Johannesburg-Perth route starting in December 2025. South African Airways flies between Perth and Johannesburg three to five times weekly, and Air Mauritius links Perth with Mauritius two to three times a week, depending on the season. However, the existing capacity on these routes falls short of meeting the growing demand for travel between the two regions.
Recognizing this strategic void, Ethiopian Airlines is stepping up to enhance connectivity. The airline is exploring both leasing and purchasing options for A350s and B787s, two of the most modern and efficient long-haul aircraft. This proactive approach underscores Ethiopian Airlines' commitment to expanding its global network and solidifying its position as a leading carrier in Africa.
While the exact launch date and initial Australian destination are yet to be confirmed, Melbourne has emerged as the frontrunner due to strong passenger demand. Data reveals approximately 6,000 round-trip passengers annually between Addis Ababa and Melbourne, significantly higher than other Australian cities considered, such as Brisbane and Perth, each with around 1,000 round-trip passengers. While direct traffic to Sydney is currently lower, it represents a substantial connecting market, further highlighting the potential for growth.
Ethiopian Airlines already boasts a robust fleet of 20 A350-900s, 3 A350-1000s, 19 B787-8s, and 10 B787-9s. However, with many of these aircraft deployed on existing long-haul routes, acquiring additional widebody jets is crucial for facilitating the Australia service. The airline has additional A350-900s and B787-9s on order, but deliveries are not anticipated before 2028, emphasizing the need for more immediate solutions through leasing or purchasing.
Launching the Australia route will mark a major milestone, establishing the first direct air link between East Africa and Australia. This enhanced connectivity is expected to stimulate travel, trade, and cultural exchange between the two regions. Ethiopian Airlines plans to leverage its extensive network across Africa, utilizing key hubs like Johannesburg, Cairo, Nairobi, and Cape Town to funnel connecting traffic onto the new Australia flights.
This strategic move by Ethiopian Airlines presents a wealth of opportunities for African travel agents. The new route will enable them to craft more appealing and convenient travel packages for their clients, catering to both business and leisure travelers. The seamless connections through Addis Ababa, combined with the allure of Australia as a destination, will undoubtedly attract a diverse range of travelers.
Despite facing challenges such as delivery delays from aircraft manufacturers and ongoing supply chain disruptions, Ethiopian Airlines remains committed to its expansion plans. The airline is actively working to secure the necessary aircraft and regulatory approvals to bring this vision to fruition. This proactive approach demonstrates Ethiopian Airlines' dedication to enhancing Africa's global connectivity and providing travelers with more choices and greater convenience.
