Ethiopian Airlines signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Xiamen Iport Group and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China Henan Aviation Group.
These collaborations aim to foster resource sharing, innovative development, and sustainable growth in the global air cargo industry. The agreements underline mutual advantages and a shared commitment to advancing cargo logistics, integrating operations more deeply into the global economy.
Meeting global cargo demand
Notably, the partnerships follow a high-level visit by Tefera Derbew Yimam, Ethiopian Ambassador to China, and Aman Wole, General Manager of Ethiopian Airlines China, to China Henan Aviation Group. Discussions with Chairman Zhang Mingchao and other business leaders laid the groundwork for these agreements, emphasizing the strategic importance of China in Ethiopian Airlines’ cargo strategy.
In a related development, Ethiopian Airlines leased two Boeing 767-300 freighters from Air Canada Cargo. These relatively new aircraft, which had been stored at Kansas City International Airport since April 2024, were delivered to Addis Ababa in December 2024. The addition brings Ethiopian Cargo’s fleet to a total of 20 dedicated freighters, bolstering the airline’s capacity to meet growing global cargo demand.
These developments strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ position as a leader in the global air cargo sector. By deepening partnerships with key Chinese aviation entities and expanding its fleet, the airline is well-positioned to address increasing cargo demands and enhance its global logistics network. This move aligns with the airline’s vision of becoming a cornerstone of international trade and economic integration.