Ethiopian Airlines, the African member of Star Alliance, plans to launch a new service to Melbourne, Australia, starting in 2026. The airline is currently considering whether the Airbus A350 or the Boeing 787 would be more suitable for this long-haul route. This was recently announced by Telila Deressa Gutema, Regional Manager for Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, according to the specialist portal News Aero.
The planned new connection to Oceania represents a significant milestone for Ethiopian Airlines. With this route, the airline would then serve all inhabited continents and further consolidate its position as one of Africa's leading airlines. The expansion of the route network is part of Ethiopian Airlines' ambitious growth strategy, which has continuously expanded its global presence in recent years. However, the necessary regulatory approvals must still be obtained before flight operations can finally commence.
If the connection is realized, Ethiopian Airlines would be the third African airline to offer direct flights to Australia. Currently, only South African Airways and Air Mauritius fly to the fifth continent. The Addis Ababa to Melbourne route would likely be unrivaled, as there are currently no non-stop connections between these two cities. This could give Ethiopian Airlines a strategic advantage in the market and open up new travel streams.
Addis Ababa serves as a major hub for air travel in Africa and beyond. A direct connection to Melbourne would not only facilitate travel between Ethiopia and Australia, but also provide passengers from other parts of Africa with efficient connections to Oceania. The choice of aircraft type, whether the Airbus A350 or the Boeing 787, depends on several factors, including range, passenger capacity, and operating costs, which are crucial for such a long route.