Air Ethiopia, the newly established local private airline company, is seeking to acquire two additional Beech 1900s in three to four weeks’ time, Capital learnt.
After obtaining an operational license from the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) a month ago, it has already started conducting flights to different parts of the country.
Founded by Captain Abera Lemi, a former employee of Ethiopian Airlines, Air Ethiopia is currently operating one Beech 1900 after acquiring it on a lease-purchase basis from its US manufacturing company.
“Our aircraft, Beech 1900, has a special feature to suit the Ethiopian topography. The 19 seat capacity aircraft can also fly as high as 33000ft and 2625 rate of climb per minute,” the company said. “It also has a 17,500 ft single engine service ceiling. With this excellent performance in the case of emergency, we will be able to fly our destination safely.” The new entrant is now aiming to acquire two more aircrafts to expand its operation to different destinations in Ethiopia. The airline sees enormous untapped potential in the sector as it believes the demand is too big to be filled only by the current operators.
While the maintenance of the aircraft and training of the flight crew of Air Ethiopia is governed by the Ministry of Transport and Communication and ECAA, the company also claims it has set up high security standards and insurance coverage for all its passengers that put it on par with other airlines throughout the world.
Currently, the airline is providing charter, air safari, humanitarian and relief, mission and air ambulance flight services to and from Addis Ababa. It seeks to increase its regional scheduled flight service in the future when its fleet capacity is enhanced and once operational arrangements are made.
The company has already started flight services to Mekele and Bahir Dar using the aircraft that can cruise up to the speed of 600 kilometres per hour. The company’s schedule shows it fly Tuesdays and Fridays to Mekele and Mondays and Thursdays to Bahir Dar.
Following the enactment of the Investment Proclamation No. 280/2002, providing air transport services using aircrafts with a seating capacity of not more than 20 passengers is allowed. While only Ethiopian nationals can engage in the passengers service, the proclamation opens the air cargo services for foreigners without any restrictions.
Other than Ethiopian Airlines, there are currently four private aviation companies operating in the country. Abyssinia Flight Services, Trans Nation Airways and Suhura Cargo Services and Air Ethiopia have received Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the ECAA.