| ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES CELEBRATES LANDING IN CANADA | | Toronto is now the second destination in North America served by the airline | | Jovana Arnaut |
Ethiopian Airlines has landed in Canada. Last night at Liberty Grand, Exhibition Place, Toronto, the company celebrated the launch of its new, non-stop flight from Toronto to Addis Ababa – the only direct connection between Canada and Africa. This makes Toronto the second North American destination, along with Washington, D.C., to be served by Ethiopian Airlines.
The company was given landing rights for two weekly flights at Pearson International Airport. However, Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO, Ethiopian Airlines, would like to see more departures in the future.
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| Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO, Ethiopian Airlines |
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“Very shortly, I sincerely hope that Ethiopian Airlines will be allowed to fly with more weekly frequencies, so that we can better service our customers, [and provide them with] more choice and better connectivity,” he said.
In partnership with Star Alliance, the airline’s network schedule is designed to allow passengers from all over Canada to fly from Toronto to Addis Ababa, and connect to 43 different cities in Africa. The goal is to connect the continent with major economic centres in the world.
Gebremariam said that this historical flight will promote trade, investment and tourist traffic between Canada and Africa.
Bal Gosal, minister of state, confirmed Gebremariam’s statement, and said that the addition of this new flight will help business in Toronto as well.
“Pearson is the fastest growing airport in Canada and the busiest one,” he said. “It’s great to see new airlines coming into Canada and especially into Toronto. This means new business, new jobs and prosperity for Torontonians and Canadians.”
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| Bal Gosal, minister of state, Canada & Ajay Tandon, national sales manager, Canada, Ethiopian Airlines |
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The evening celebration not only showcased Ethiopian Airlines, but also promoted Ethiopian and African culture. Dinner included authentic cuisine; entertainment from Toronto-based, Ethiopian dance group, Jaivah; and Patricia Bebia Mawa, President, Planet Africa Group, was MC for the night. Guests were also given roses and gift packages to show the hospitality travellers receive when flying with Ethiopian Airlines.
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| Jaivah, Toronto-based, Ethiopian dance group |
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Yesterday morning sparked the celebration of the new flight, with a ceremony at Pearson, and the first flight departure out of Toronto.
“The first flight left Toronto carrying 319 passengers,” Gebremariam said. “It is very rare in our practise to see first flights fully booked.”
“You’ve made us feel at home and you’ve given us your strong vote of confidence,” he continued. “We will reciprocate this vote of confidence with consistent, reliable and superior services. We will continue to work hard to make you proud.”
Next month, Ethiopian Airlines is expected to receive Africa’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner. This makes Ethiopian Airlines the first airline in Africa, and the third in the world, to operate the jet.
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