Ethiopian Airlines has made Atlanta its 5th US destination, offering flights to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital and the airline's main hub.
“At Ethiopian Airlines, we take pride in providing an unparalleled travel experience for passengers heading to and from Africa,” said Mr. Amare. “With our modern fleet and renowned hospitality, travelers can expect a comfortable journey, including inflight entertainment, gourmet meals and attentive service.
The new route also gives ATL a high-profile Star Alliance option in an airport dominated by Delta Air Lines and its fellow SkyTeam members.
Ethiopian Airlines already flies to New York, Newark, Chicago and Washington.
“Atlanta is a city that resonates with African visitors. They are interested in its history, business and cultural significance,” said Mr. Amare. He added that Atlanta’s global companies and landmarks like the Martin Luther King Jr.
Read also: Atlanta to Addis Ababa Flight Guide
Both countries also sent delegates to the Atlanta Black Chambers’ inaugural Global Opportunities Conference in early October.
Accra is an important economic center in West Africa, with strong industries in telecommunications, financial services and energy. The Ethiopian Airlines flight has been used mostly for family vacations among the 8,000 Ghanaians in Atlanta, Mr. Abakah notes. “People in Ghana and also in the diaspora are very excited to want to use this airline,” Mr.
Tasew said in a statement detailing the new route: "Ethiopian Airlines has been connecting the U.S. and Africa for 25 years now and the new service will help boost the investment, tourism, diplomatic and socioeconomic bonds between the two regions."
Already the largest airline in the continent by both revenue and fleet size, Ethiopian is also one of the fastest-growing airlines in Africa.
Flight Details
Service begins May 16, with Ethiopian offering flights four times a week between the cities.
Read also: Ethiopian Cuisine: Philadelphia Guide
Flights headed west from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) will stop in Dublin for 50 minutes to refuel. The high altitude of the Addis Ababa airport - combined with head winds typical on westbound flights across the Atlantic - limit the range of the aircraft in that direction, necessitating the technical stop.
However, eastbound flights from Atlanta to Addis Ababa operate nonstop. Ethiopian Airlines is the only carrier to fly nonstop from the world's busiest airport to Ethiopia's capital.
Ethiopian Airlines route map.
The airline will offer flights from Atlanta to Addis Ababa - Ethiopia's capital and the airline's main hub.
Initially, the flights were scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Later, the schedule adjusted to Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Read also: Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine
Schedule Adjustment (September 2024)
From September 2024, Ethiopian Airlines is adjusting service to Atlanta. The Addis Ababa - Atlanta service will be reduced from 4 to 3 weekly, effective 03SEP24.
This route is operated by a mix of 787-8 and -9, Westbound operating via Rome Fiumicino.
The schedule is as follows:
- ET518 ADD2200 - 0330+1FCO0430+1 - 0855+1ATL 789 24
- ET518 ADD2200 - 0330+1FCO0430+1 - 0855+1ATL 788 7
- ET519 ATL1050 - 0805+1ADD 789 35
- ET519 ATL1050 - 0805+1ADD 788 1
During Northern winter 2024/25 season from 27OCT24, all 3 weekly flights will be operated by 787-8.
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