How Ethiopian Airlines reached $4.5 billion in revenue during record six months?

Ethiopian Airlines continues to dominate the skies as the continent's aviation leader. The carrier reported a massive $4.4 billion in revenue for the first half of its 2025/2026 fiscal year. This figure represents a 14% increase compared to the same period last year. Surging passenger numbers and robust cargo demand drove these record-breaking results.

Record Financial and Operational Performance

Group CEO Mesfin Tasew announced the results during a media briefing in Addis Ababa. The airline's revenue exceeded internal targets by 2%. This growth occurred despite a volatile global market. Ethiopian Airlines remains the most profitable carrier in Africa. It successfully balanced high operating costs with increased flight frequencies.

Passenger and Cargo Growth

Passenger traffic saw a significant jump during the six-month period. The airline transported 10.64 million passengers across its network. This is an 11% increase from the previous year. Connectivity remains a core strength for the carrier. It now serves over 145 international destinations.

Cargo operations also played a vital role in the financial success. The airline moved 451,000 tonnes of freight. This represents a 19% increase in cargo volume. The IATA has noted that African cargo demand is rising. Ethiopian Airlines is capturing the bulk of this growth through its strategic hub.

Strategic Fleet and Route Expansion

The airline added seven new aircraft to its fleet recently. These include the Airbus A350-1000 and the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. Modern aircraft help the airline reduce fuel costs. They also allow for longer non-stop flights to new markets. The carrier launched three new international routes to Hanoi, Porto, and Abu Dhabi.

Operational Challenges and Headwinds

Despite the success, the airline faces several hurdles. CEO Tasew cited a global shortage of new aircraft. Geopolitical conflicts and adverse weather also impacted schedules. Additionally, the airline noted that restrictive U.S. visa policies have affected travel demand on North American routes. These factors have forced the carrier to reschedule some flight frequencies.

Looking Toward Vision 2035

Ethiopian Airlines is moving forward with its "Vision 2035" strategy. This plan aims for $25 billion in annual revenue. A key part of this future is the new Bishoftu International Airport project. This $10 billion facility will eventually handle 110 million passengers per year. These investments ensure the airline remains a global aviation powerhouse.

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