KEYIR NEWS - Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew has announced that the airline will begin training 300 pilots annually as part of a sweeping expansion strategy designed to position the carrier as one of the world’s leading aviation groups by 2035.
In an interview with Zemen Economic Planning, Mesfin outlined a 10-year growth plan that envisions a massive increase in fleet size, destinations, and passenger traffic.
By 2035, the airline expects to operate 209 international and 31 domestic routes with a total fleet of 271 aircraft. Annual passenger numbers are projected to reach 67.2 million, while revenue is forecast to climb to $25 billion.
Central to this vision is workforce development, with a strong emphasis on building a new generation of skilled pilots. Mesfin said the airline’s training programs will ensure a steady pipeline of talent capable of supporting one of the fastest-growing fleets in the world.
“A highly skilled and motivated workforce is critical for sustaining growth,” he stressed.
The expansion strategy also involves modernizing the fleet, with plans to introduce state-of-the-art aircraft while phasing out older models. This move is aimed at boosting operational efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and improving passenger experience.
Network expansion will remain a priority. Ethiopian Airlines plans to strengthen connectivity by adding new destinations and increasing flight frequencies to key markets.
Notably, Australia will be added as a new continental destination, making the airline a truly global carrier covering all major regions.
Mesfin also pointed to the construction of a new mega airport, scheduled to be fully operational by 2029. Once completed, the facility is expected to be the largest and most advanced airport in Africa, serving as a central hub for connecting the continent with the rest of the world.
Industry observers note that Ethiopian Airlines has consistently outperformed its regional peers, maintaining profitability while expanding aggressively.
Analysts say the new plan underscores the airline’s determination to consolidate its role as Africa’s aviation leader and extend its global influence.
Mesfin believes the combination of new aircraft, expanded routes, a modern airport hub, and the training of hundreds of pilots annually will enable the airline to realize its ambitious targets. “We aim not only to grow, but to redefine Africa’s role in global aviation,” he said.
With this expansion drive, Ethiopian Airlines is not just planning for growth, it is laying the foundation to become a global powerhouse in the aviation industry.