Ethiopian Airlines Sees Stronger Asia-Pacific Growth With Malaysia Emerging As Fast-Growing Market

By Kisho Kumari Sucedaram

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 3 (Bernama) – Ethiopian Airlines is strengthening its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, with Malaysia emerging as one of its fastest-growing markets amid surging air travel demand between Africa and Asia.

Its regional manager for Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, Telila Deressa Gutema, said the airline’s current strategy focuses on expanding connectivity, increasing frequencies, and modernising its fleet to cater to rising passenger and cargo demand across major Asian hubs.

He said the airline is prioritising stronger footholds in markets such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, China, and Japan, supported by advanced long-haul aircraft, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350.

“At Ethiopian Airlines, our vision is to build an interconnected global network that enhances economic, cultural, and social exchanges. Asia-Pacific (APAC) is central to that ambition,” he told Bernama recently.  

Malaysia shows strong growth momentum

Ethiopian Airlines resumed services to Kuala Lumpur on March 25, 2023, with three weekly flights, and the response has been very encouraging, mainly driven by business travellers, leisure passengers, and religious pilgrims. “There is a significant trend of passengers using Addis Ababa as a gateway to the wider African continent. We will adjust frequencies based on sustained demand in the coming months,” Telila said.

The airline’s optimism is supported by data from the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM), which forecast a 137.8 per cent growth in seat capacity to Africa this year, making Malaysia one of its fastest-growing international regions.

Telila attributed this momentum to rising household incomes, simplified visa processes, and growing interest among Malaysians in Africa’s cultural and eco-tourism offerings.

“With all these factors, it opens up new opportunities for business and tourism, especially along the important routes connecting Africa and Malaysia. It truly is a boost for travellers, the broader economy and cultural exchange between regions,” he noted.

Malaysia’s outreach to Africa

The vision for a broader route expansion also shows renewed interest in Africa, reflected in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent three-country visit to Ethiopia, South Africa, and Kenya, which underscored Malaysia’s aim to deepen economic links with the continent. Telila said the visit demonstrated growing engagement opportunities for both regions, particularly in trade, investment, and tourism.

“These developments align with our mission to strengthen ties between Asia and Africa. We see ourselves as a connector and an enabler for greater movement of people, ideas, and capital,” he added.

Anwar’s three-day visit to the “Horn of Africa” on Nov 18-20 was the first for a Malaysian Prime Minister, which also celebrated the reopening of Malaysia’s mission in Addis Ababa on Sept 23, 2025, after a lapse of 42 years.

During the visit, both countries exchanged a bilateral air service agreement to establish the legal and regulatory framework under which designated airlines between Ethiopia and Malaysia would operate international air transport services between and beyond their respective territories.

Bilateral trade between both countries stood at RM446.8 million, with exports from Malaysia to Ethiopia valued at RM358.6 million, representing a 24.6 per cent increase from the previous year. 

As such, Telila said the airline aims to deliver seamless connections between major Asian hubs and more than 60 destinations across Africa alongside the plans for fleet expansions and increased frequencies on high-demand routes. 

Expansion in Asia-Pacific, new partnerships

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates around 120 weekly frequencies across nearly 20 destinations in Asia.

The carrier is also studying opportunities for new APAC routes, with markets such as Australia, Saudi Arabia, and the Maldives among those targeted for 2026–2027.

To enhance connectivity, Telila said the airline has expanded partnerships, including a new strategic joint business and codeshare arrangement with Etihad Airways, providing seamless travel options to Abu Dhabi, Kuala Lumpur, Osaka, and upcoming regional destinations such as Phnom Penh. Its membership in the Star Alliance also gives passengers access to over 1,300 airports in more than 190 countries.

Africa-Asia travel demand reaches new highs

Citing UN tourism data, Telila said Africa has seen remarkable growth in travel demand between the continent and the Asia-Pacific region, with a 12 per cent increase in international visitors during the first half of 2025, compared to the same period last year. This is primarily driven by a stronger economic and cultural exchange between the two regions.

“We are also seeing more African businesses and entrepreneurs connecting with fast-maturing markets in Asia, particularly in exporting manufacturing, minerals, and energy as well as agriculture,” he said, adding that leisure demand is also on an upward trend, especially among younger travellers seeking safari experiences, cultural exploration, and nature-based tourism.

Not only that, he noted that the airline’s direct services to Singapore, Guangzhou, and Tokyo have shortened travel times significantly for Asia-based travellers, boosting connectivity to more than 60 African destinations via its Addis Ababa hub. 

Fleet modernisation to support growth 

Ethiopian Airlines is investing heavily in fleet growth and sustainability to meet rising demand.

The carrier currently operates 143 aircraft, comprising about 80 wide-body jets such as the A350 and B787, and 63 narrow-body aircraft, including the Boeing 737 and Bombardier Q400.

On order were 11 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, eight Boeing 777-9s, and 11 Airbus A350-900s, which would support long-haul connectivity across APAC, according to Telila.

He highlighted that the airline is committed to sustainability, emphasising fuel-efficient fleet upgrades, optimised route planning, and the gradual adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Outlook for 2026

Moving forward, he said Ethiopian Airlines maintains an optimistic outlook for next year, buoyed by APAC’s strong recovery and increasing international travel demand. “This region is rebounding rapidly, driven by a growing middle class and resilient demand for global travel. We see 2026 as a pivotal step in reshaping how Asia and Africa connect,” Telila said.

Key growth markets for Ethiopian Airlines in 2026 include Malaysia, Singapore, China, and India, with plans to deepen its presence in Southeast Asia through government and industry partnerships. “As APAC rises as a major driver of global travel, our ambition is to ensure the skies between Africa and Asia are open, frequent and reliable,” he added.

-- BERNAMA