Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, announced that it intends to launch regular passenger flights to Australia in 2028, marking the airline’s first service to the continent and completing its network on all seven continents.
The plan hinges on securing at least two new wide‑body aircraft capable of ultra‑long‑haul operations. Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew told reporters that “we need to secure at least two large aircraft to operate to the continent,” and added that “it will take at least two years to receive the aircraft.” The timeline reflects current delivery schedules from aircraft manufacturers, which the airline says remain a key constraint.
When the service commences, Ethiopian Airlines will join a minor group of carriers that link Africa directly with Oceania. The carrier already serves 145 cities across five continents, but Australia is the only major market it does not yet reach. Adding a route to the southern hemisphere would give the airline a truly global footprint, a strategic milestone the company has pursued for years.
Why Australia Matters for Ethiopian Airlines
Australia represents both a tourism and trade gateway for Africa. Business and diaspora travel between the two regions has grown steadily, yet direct flight options are limited. By offering a non‑stop or one‑stop service, Ethiopian Airlines hopes to shorten travel times, reduce reliance on European or Middle‑Eastern connections, and bolster cargo capacity for high‑value goods such as agricultural products and minerals.
Analysts note that the move could enhance Africa‑Asia‑Pacific connectivity, a priority for many governments seeking to diversify trade partners. “If successful, the expansion would strengthen Africa–Asia‑Pacific connectivity and cement the airline’s global leadership,” the airline’s spokesperson said in a briefing Business Insider Africa reported.
Aircraft and Route Logistics
Ethiopian Airlines operates a mixed fleet that includes Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A350s for its longest routes. However, the airline indicated that additional wide‑body jets will be required to sustain a viable Australia service, which typically demands aircraft with a range of 13,000 km or more. The exact type of aircraft has not been disclosed, but the carrier’s recent orders for Boeing 777‑9 and Airbus A350‑900 ULR models suggest possible candidates.
Given that the airline expects to need at least two such aircraft, the procurement timeline is critical. Delivery delays—whether caused by supply‑chain bottlenecks or certification processes—could push the launch date beyond 2028. The airline’s chief executive emphasized that “delivery timelines from manufacturers remain a key constraint,” underscoring the uncertainty inherent in ultra‑long‑haul fleet expansion.
Impact on Passengers and the Market
Travelers in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and other major African hubs could soon enjoy a direct or single‑stop connection to cities such as Sydney or Melbourne, eliminating the need for multiple layovers in Europe or the Middle East. The airline has not yet disclosed the exact routing, frequency or fare structure, but industry observers expect a mix of full‑service cabins and a robust cargo hold to meet both passenger and freight demand.
For the Australian market, the entry of an African flag carrier adds competition to a sector currently dominated by carriers from the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Ethiopian Airlines’ reputation for on‑time performance and its extensive African network could attract business travelers seeking a single airline for multi‑leg journeys across the continent.
Next Steps and Official Updates
The airline said it will monitor aircraft delivery schedules closely and will announce specific route details—including departure cities, flight frequencies and ticket sales timelines—once the required aircraft are in hand. Stakeholders are advised to watch Ethiopian Airlines’ official communications channels for the first public timetable, which the carrier expects to release in the next twelve months.
Until then, the airline will continue to expand its existing network, adding new destinations in Europe and Asia, whereas maintaining its focus on building a truly global route map.
Readers can follow the development through Ethiopian Airlines’ press releases and the airline’s official website, where updates on fleet acquisition and route planning will be posted.
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