As the world continues to witness the exponential growth of the global cargo industry, Ethiopian Airlines Cargo has emerged as a leading player, capturing markets far and wide with its innovative strategies and commitment to sustainability. With a focus on the Indian market, Ethiopian Airlines Cargo has devised a unique approach to cater to the specific needs and demands of this dynamic region. In this interview with Bilen Arefaine, Regional Director India Sub Continent, Ethiopian Airlines, Mumbai, we delve into their cargo division’s strategies, expansion plans, digital initiatives, and sustainable practices. Here are excerpts:
- How does Ethiopian Airlines Cargo’s strategy for the Indian market differ from other markets you operate in?
India is an important South Asian market for Ethiopian Airlines. We operate dedicated freighter flights alongside providing our service through belly capacity to serve the existing demand to/from India and transport shipments across our network mainly in Africa, Europe and the Americas with swift service and affordable cost.
- What are Ethiopian Airlines Cargo’s plans for expansion and growth within the Indian market?
Ethiopian Airlines has been operating direct flights to India for more than 50 years now. Throughout the years that we have been serving the country, our operations had been growing and expanding. Currently we have flights to/from four destinations in India and we provide cargo services to/from all the destinations. Ethiopian plans to continue its expansion and growth in the Indian market.
- Can you provide an overview of Ethiopian Airlines Cargo’s current presence in India and any future plans to expand your operations in the country?
We operate to major cities in India such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bengaluru with wide body aircraft: A350-900, B787 and B777. We also have dedicated freighter flights to/from Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore. India is our top market both in passenger and Cargo so will expand our network to more cities as demanded in the future.
- How is the airline leveraging digital technologies to enhance the efficiency and speed of cargo operations?
Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services operates with state-of-the-art cargo terminal, which is the largest in Africa. Our cargo service is fully automated with one of the latest Cargo IT systems by adopting the latest aviation systems and technologies to provide efficient freight service across the globe. We are using the latest technologies for data, information and market intelligence with 100% e-AWB from our main hub in Addis Ababa.
Recently, Ethiopian partnered with Cargo.one to empower its digital transformation and digital cargo sales. From late Summer 2023, freight forwarders using cargo.one can book Ethiopian Cargo capacity to a wide range of regions throughout Africa, Middle East, Asia, Europe and the Americas.
- What sustainability initiatives and practices are Ethiopian Airlines implementing to reduce its environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future?
Ethiopian Airlines takes sustainability as a significant part of its operation. We have incorporated it as one of our pillars for the realisation of Vision 2035. Ethiopian is currently implementing various initiatives in line with the industry best practices.
These initiatives include but are not limited to:
➢ Procurement of advanced maintenance and aircraft technology
➢ Transformation from fossil based energy towards clean/renewable options e.g. electric vehicle, sustainable aviation fuel, solar etc.
➢ Efficiency in the operation, through improved air traffic management, single engine taxi, electrical GPU, continuous climb and descend etc.
➢ Waste and other resource reduction, recycling and reusing
➢ Effective chemicals waste management and disposal
