Ethiopian Airlines service to Namibia set to lead to increased intra-African connectivity

Namibia and Ethiopia have chosen to be in the forefront of Africa air transportation growth when they launched their first Windhoek-Addis Ababa route on Thursday evening, in Namibian capital Windhoek.

Namibia's Deputy Minister of Works and Transport, James Sankwasa at the Occasion of the Ethiopian Airlines inaugural flight to Windhoek said the timing of the launch of the new route could hardly be better.

"This endeavor is in Honour of the Yamoussoukro Decision for the liberalization of skies, and the establishment of a Single African Air Transport Market within the continent," he said.

According to Sankwasa this new route as witnessed over the last two weeks will give an additional lift to trade and tourists and continue the momentum towards closer ties.

"It will enhance a stronger relationship from trade, finance, tourism and cultural exchanges," he added.

Namibia Airports Company (NAC) Acting CEO, Courage Silombela at the event said the development will unlock new possibilities and opportunities to stakeholders in the aviation industry and beyond.

"Airports are a critical gateway to any country's economy and the arrival of Ethiopian Airlines will surely go a long way in strengthening our economy directly and indirectly," he added.

Meanwhile, on Sept. 28 , NAC welcomed Qatar's arrival to Namibia and now Ethiopian Airlines has joined the fly, while KLM Royal Dutch is expected to join the list of the world class airlines to service the Windhoek route. Endit