By: Ethio negari

Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services has been named ‘Best Cargo Airline – Africa’ for the third consecutive year at the Arabian Cargo Awards 2025, held on 24 November in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The award recognizes Ethiopian Cargo’s continued growth, operational efficiency and safety standards, as well as its expanding role in global logistics. The airline operates Africa’s largest cargo network.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew welcomed the award, noting that it reflects the commitment of the airline’s workforce.

“We are incredibly proud to receive this award for the third time,” he said. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication of all Ethiopian Airlines employees in delivering secure, efficient and innovative cargo transport solutions.

As global supply chains evolve, Ethiopian will remain committed to flexible, reliable and sustainable cargo services worldwide.”

Ethiopian Cargo currently operates a network that includes over 70 cargo-dedicated destinations and more than 145 passenger belly-hold connections, supported by advanced automated systems at its hub in Addis Ababa.

Its annual handling capacity has reached 1 million tons, serving diverse segments such as horticulture, pharmaceuticals, valuables, live animals, e-commerce and courier services.

The carrier has received several accolades in recent months, including ‘Highly Acclaimed African Cargo Airport of the Year’ and ‘Fastest Growing International Cargo Airline of the Year’ at Air Cargo Africa 2025, as well as ‘Cargo Airline of the Year (Africa)’ in Dubai.

Ethiopian Airlines Group—approaching eight decades of operation currently flies to more than 160 domestic and international destinations across five continents.

Its fleet includes modern aircraft such as the Boeing 737, 777, 787, Airbus A350-900, A350-1000, and De Havilland Q400, emphasizing both passenger comfort and environmental sustainability.

Ethiopian Airlines Group presented its ambitious Bishoftu International Airport (BIA) project to global investors during the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) held from November 26–28, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco.

The presentation comes as Ethiopia secures major international financing for what is expected to become Africa’s largest airport.

The project has already attracted strong interest from international development partners, including companies from the United States and several other global markets.

These partners are now engaged in discussions with Ethiopia on potential financing arrangements for the mega infrastructure project.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is leading the financing efforts as the Initial Mandated Lead Arranger, coordinating negotiations among global investors and development institutions.

AfDB’s involvement is seen as a crucial step in mobilizing the large-scale funding required, with early support signals coming from multinational financiers and private sector players.

According to sources familiar with the talks, multiple firms from the U.S., Europe, Asia, and the Middle East have shown interest in the proposed funding model an indication of strong international confidence in Ethiopia’s aviation expansion plans.

The new Bishoftu International Airport, located 40 kilometers southwest of Addis Ababa, is intended to ease congestion at the overcrowded Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and further strengthen Ethiopia’s position as a leading aviation hub in Africa.

The airport will be built in phases. The first phase, costing an estimated USD 12.5 billion, is targeted for completion by 2030. It is expected to handle up to 60 million passengers annually. Once fully completed, the airport’s capacity will expand to 110 million passengers, making it the largest airport on the continent.