Ethiopian Airlines Honoured for Outstanding COVID-19 Response

Addis Ababa, July 15, 2024

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s leading carrier, is honoured to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Global Recognition and Appreciation Award at the First International Post-COVID Conference held in Toronto. This accolade acknowledges Ethiopian Airlines’ pivotal role in distributing emergency gear throughout Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the delivery of essential medical supplies and saving countless lives.

The conference was jointly held by Livelihood Development International Initiatives (LDII), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and other partners aimed at building a unified frontier for responding to future global pandemics.

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While receiving the recognition award from Ethiopian Airlines GCEO, Mr.  Mesfin Tasew expressed his admiration saying, “We are honored to receive this prestigious recognition for our significant contribution worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. This recognition is a testament to the commitment, dedication and hard work of our team members, the airline community, and the stakeholders who worked tirelessly with us to keep our operations running smoothly during those difficult times. This award gives us another courage to stay committed to serving our customers and communities, even during unprecedented challenges.”

In the face of unprecedented challenges, Mr. Mesfin emphasized the airline’s adaptability and unwavering commitment. “Every flight carried is more than just supplies; it carried hope and life. We remain committed to using our global network and expertise to empower”.

Ethiopian Airlines played a crucial role in re-configuring approximately 25 passenger aircraft into dedicated cargo freighters. The airline conducted over 470 charter repatriation flights, reuniting more than 63,000 citizens with their families, and loved ones. In collaboration with governmental entities, non-profit organizations, and international agencies, Ethiopian Airlines facilitated the transportation of millions of tons of personal protective equipment, medical apparatus, vaccines, and other essential supplies across Africa and beyond.

Throughout its 78-year journey, Ethiopian Airlines has cultivated remarkable adaptability, agility, and resilience. Amidst adversity, the airline has preserved its legacy as one of the continent’s leading carriers, renowned for operational excellence and efficiency.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ethiopian Airlines was one of the few airlines that managed to continue their operation and serve the global community by transporting medical supplies, humanitarian aid, and required personnel to various parts of the world. The airline had also implemented several strategies amid the pandemic to weather the crisis including service diversification, precautionary measures, and responsive management.

About Ethiopian Airlines Honored