Ethiopian Airlines on Sunday launches flight to Chicago increasing its total destinations in the United States of America to four.
The inaugural flight to Chicago was announced at a colorful ceremony held at the VIP Salon of Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in the presence of Ambassador of the United States to Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Michael Raynor, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Ethiopian Executive Management members and invited guests.
“Chicago will be our 4th destination in the U.S. and our 7th in the Americas. It is the third biggest city in the U.S. and one of the most important global aviation hubs. We will be filling a critical air connectivity vacuum as our flights will be the only direct service between Chicago and Africa,” said Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO.
“Chicago is the main hub of our Star Alliance partner, United Airlines and the flight will be operated together with United to avail the best product for travelers from all over the U.S. connecting to 58 destinations in Africa. The flight will further boost the growing economic and people-to-people relations between the U.S. and Africa in general and Ethiopia in particular by enabling greater flow of trade, investment and tourism,” he said.
Ethiopian Airlines has deployed one of its Boeing 787 aircraft on the route, according to the press statement from Ethiopian.
Speaking at the inaugural event, Mr. Michael Raynor, Ambassador of the United States to Ethiopia, on his part said, “Day by day we are witnessing new successes at Ethiopian Airlines. Two days back, we celebrated the 100th aircraft milestone of Ethiopian Airlines and today we are inaugurating flights to Chicago… The US Government and the American Embassy in Addis Ababa will continue to support the growth of the airline.”