While I was interacting with Tigist Eshetu, Regional Director India Sub-Continent, Ethiopian Airlines a few months back she queried, do you know our airline is celebrating its 50th year of its operations in Mumbai. I was surprised but pretty impressed – 50 years is a long journey. Having been to Ethiopia several times and experienced the par excellence service of the airline I knew it was a joyous occasion. The mutual love between Ethiopia and India goes a long way back and this was highlighted (especially our cultural ties) when I had interacted with Esayas Wolde, MD (International Services), Ethiopian Airlines a few years back.

As the airline celebrated its Golden Jubilee in Mumbai the media and relevant tour operators were invited. The event was graced by Lemma Yadecha Gudeta, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Ethiopian Airlines, Tigist Eshetu – Regional Director India Sub-Continent, Ethiopian Airlines, Her Excellency Ambassador Doctor Tizita Mulugeta and Subhash Goyal, Owner & Chairman of STIC Group.

Ethiopian Airlines made its debut flight to Mumbai Starting operations way back in 1971 with once a week flight to Mumbai, 50 years later it has double daily flights to Mumbai. “Today it operates from Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, and soon it will be connecting Chennai to Addis Ababa with 144 seats for the economy and 16 seats in business class. The airline also has five cargo destinations in India,” said Lemma Yadecha Gudeta.

Talking on the visas Ambassador Doctor Tizita Malugeta said, “e-visa is easy to obtain and incase you have a long wait (over 8 and up to 24 hours) for connecting flights the airlines provide you with complimentary hotel accommodation.”

On this joyous occasion for the airline, its Group CEO, Mesfin Tasew said, “We are thrilled to have celebrated this big milestone-50 years of uninterrupted service to Mumbai thereby connecting the people of India to the vast Ethiopian global network. Mumbai is the commercial capital of India and one of the key destinations in Asia; we will maintain our commitment to serve Mumbai, thereby providing it access to our 127 destinations with our latest aircraft. Ethiopian has paved the way for people-to-people and trade ties between India and Africa with its multiple destinations in India.”

Partners of Ethiopian Airlines, travel trade partners, media, travel bloggers and over 150 guests from the aviation sector attended this grand event.

Ethiopian Airlines is the largest aviation group in Africa, and had also recently celebrated it seventy-five years of operation. It operates to more than 130 international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents.