Ethiopian Airlines Delivers Record of US$9.1 Billion Revenue, Accelerates Global Expansion, Cements Africa’s Aviation Dominance By Raymond Enoch
Ethiopian Airlines Group has once again demonstrated why it remains Africa’s undisputed aviation powerhouse, posting a record-breaking US$9.1 billion in revenue for the 2025/2026 financial year while achieving historic milestones in passenger traffic, cargo operations, fleet expansion and infrastructure development despite an increasingly volatile global operating environment.
The outstanding performance reflects the airline’s remarkable resilience in the face of geopolitical tensions, aircraft shortages, rising fuel costs and shifting global travel patterns, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing and most profitable airline groups.
Presenting the airline’s annual performance report on Tuesday, Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew said Ethiopian Airlines continued to outperform industry expectations through strategic investments, operational efficiency and an aggressive expansion programme that has strengthened its leadership across Africa and beyond.
According to the report, the airline carried an unprecedented 20.7 million passengers during the fiscal year, representing a 10 per cent increase over the previous year and achieving 98 per cent of its ambitious annual target.
The cargo division also delivered exceptional results, transporting 897,000 tonnes of freight, a 16 per cent year-on-year increase, reaffirming Ethiopian Airlines’ status as Africa’s largest air cargo operator and a critical logistics partner connecting Africa with global markets.
Operationally, the airline recorded an eight per cent increase in total flight hours, reaching 96 per cent of its planned operational target, despite disruptions affecting several international routes.
In line with its long-term strategy of expanding global connectivity, Ethiopian Airlines added four new international destinations—Porto in Portugal, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia—bringing its international network to an impressive 150 destinations across five continents.
The airline also expanded domestic connectivity by increasing destinations from 22 to 25, further enhancing economic integration and accessibility within Ethiopia.
To support growing passenger demand and future expansion, Ethiopian Airlines strengthened its fleet by acquiring nine additional aircraft through purchases and lease agreements.
Recognising that sustainable growth depends on skilled manpower, the airline also invested significantly in aviation training by adding eight Diamond DA40 aircraft to its pilot training academy, reinforcing its reputation as one of Africa’s leading aviation training institutions.
Beyond commercial aviation, Ethiopian Airlines continued transforming itself into an integrated aviation and aerospace enterprise.
Its aerospace manufacturing division produced 68 aircraft components for Boeing, generating US$9.2 million in revenue while advancing plans for a new manufacturing facility expected to commence operations soon.
The Group equally expanded critical aviation infrastructure by commissioning a state-of-the-art data centre and accelerating construction of modern passenger terminals at Bole International Airport, Arba Minch, Nekemte and Dembi Dollo airports.
Construction also progressed on the new international airport in Wolayta Sodo, while the airline completed a modern G+8 academic complex for the Ethiopian Aviation University, further strengthening Africa’s aviation education and research capacity.
Despite these achievements, the airline navigated one of the most challenging operating environments in recent years.
According to Mesfin, Ethiopian Airlines was compelled to suspend about 10 Gulf-bound flights during the regional conflict in the Middle East. The airline also faced shortages of wide-body aircraft, declining travel demand between Africa and North America following new United States travel restrictions, and travel bans affecting routes to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and parts of West Africa.
The challenging environment also pushed operating costs 25 per cent higher than the previous financial year as escalating geopolitical tensions triggered sharp increases in global jet fuel prices.
Nevertheless, the airline’s disciplined cost-management strategy delivered significant savings, with operational efficiency measures recovering approximately US$37 million, helping to offset rising expenditure and protect profitability.
Looking ahead, Ethiopian Airlines is preparing for another ambitious phase of expansion.
Mesfin disclosed that the airline expects to announce the acquisition of 25 additional aircraft within the next two months as part of its long-term fleet modernisation programme. He further revealed that a separate announcement on the purchase of new cargo aircraft would be made shortly, underscoring the airline’s determination to strengthen its leadership in global freight operations.
The latest results further illustrate Ethiopian Airlines’ evolution from a national carrier into a globally competitive aviation conglomerate with interests spanning passenger transport, cargo logistics, aerospace manufacturing, aviation training, airport development and digital infrastructure.
As African aviation continues to recover and expand, Ethiopian Airlines is increasingly setting the benchmark for operational excellence, innovation and strategic growth. Its record financial performance not only reinforces Ethiopia’s position as the continent’s premier aviation hub but also highlights the airline’s growing contribution to trade, tourism, investment, industrialisation and regional economic integration across Africa and the world.
