Not many airlines have representative offices in Vienna with their own country manager. One of these is Ethiopian Airlines. Saba G Kassaye has been on site for the carrier for some time and as it had to come in times like these: Shortly after her arrival in the previous year, the Austrian government imposed the second lockdown.

“I am the new Regional Manager of Ethiopian Airlines for Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Croatia, Macedonia and Bosnia. I am proud to be able to call myself the first female regional manager for the areas mentioned, ”Saba G Kassaye introduces herself.

From her office, which is only a few steps away from the famous Prater Ferris wheel, the Ethiopian organizes pretty much everything that the carrier needs in the markets for which she is responsible. Ticket sales is only a small part of the area of ​​responsibility, because the regional manager also has to take care of permits for special flights, for example. The latter was and is required again and again in times of Corona due to national restrictions.

In an interview with Aviation.Direct, Saba G Kassaye not only introduces Ethiopian Airlines, but also explains how the carrier got through the worst crisis in aviation history. She also reveals what you absolutely have to see in her home country and which cultural highlights she recommends to her colleagues, friends and guests in Austria.

The corona crisis hit the entire aviation industry hard. How has Ethiopian Airines weathered the crisis so far? What measures had to be taken?

Saba G Kassaye: Covid-19 has hit the aviation industry adversely and Ethiopian Airlines is no exception. Due to the drastic drop in travel demand, the airline had a time behind it in which it had only exhausted 10 percent of its capacity in passenger flight operations. In order to survive, we had taken several austerity measures. In 2020 alone, Ethiopian, along with the airline's MRO experts, reconfigured around 25 passenger aircraft into freighters to increase its cargo capacity as demand for the transportation of emergency medical supplies skyrocketed.

Side by side we have implemented COVID-19 protocols in iron discipline. In addition, we have implemented minimal physical contact technology at all customer contact points. We have operated more than 360 charter cargo flights and shipped medical equipment to over 80 countries. We have operated over 470 charter return flights and brought together more than 63.000 citizens from different countries with their families and loved ones. Ethiopian's 75 years of crisis management experience in the aviation industry has helped navigate the tide of the global pandemic and ultimately manage the crises even further.

Today our industry is facing a serious challenge from COVID-19. The path we have chosen to overcome this challenge is to tighten our belts and change the way we do business and be agile. We remain the only commercial airline that has not applied for a government bailout and has not laid off a single employee.

Aviation.Direct: With regard to the Vienna route: Would you please give an overview of the development in demand since March 2020?

Saba G Kassaye: Passenger demand has been falling since March 2020. The first five months were mainly characterized by refunds to passengers. A slight recovery occurred around August 2020. September 2020 was still quite good, but then not anymore. We had processed all refunds by September 2020. This year we had a strong summer and we have seen consistently positive development in the last few months.

Aviation.Direct: How is demand currently?

Saba G Kassaye: The demand is currently good. We have been observing for some time that the trend is towards last-minute bookings. Bookings are made in advance approximately one to two months before departure.

Aviation.Direct: And how do you think it will develop?

Saba G Kassaye: All positive or negative developments depend on the opening or closing of the borders of the destinations of Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Seychelles, South Africa and Namibia, which are popular with our passengers. When travel is possible and safe, passengers will book and travel. However, if the passengers are of the opinion that border closings and / or quarantines are to be expected, then it can be assumed that travel for leisure purposes will be avoided this winter as well.

Aviation.Direct: Ethiopian Airlines has been in the air since 1946. Can you please give a brief overview of the highlights in the company's history?

Saba G Kassaye: We started in 1946 with five aircraft that were redundant in the war. Today we are the largest African aviation group with seven strategic business units. We are preparing around 130 young and ultra-modern aircraft. Our route network contains more than 130 destinations on five continents, 62 of which are in Africa. We carry around 12 million passengers a year and are the most profitable pan-African airline. We are the aviation giant of the African continent.

While we are celebrating the 75th anniversary, we are taking stock of our achievements over three quarters of a century. The many novelties that Ethiopian has introduced include the first jet plane in Africa, the first scheduled flight from East Africa to West Africa, the first airline from the western hemisphere to fly to China, the first scheduled service between the capitals of the most populous nations in the world - from New Delhi to Beijing, the first airline in Africa to bring the B767, B777-200LR, B787 (the Dreamliner) and later the A350 to Africa.

Aviation.Direct: How high is the proportion of transfer passengers compared to point-to-point passengers with Ethiopian Airlines?

Saba G Kassaye: Around 75 percent of our passengers are transit passengers who use our huge route network to reach their destination. We fly to more than 62 destinations in Africa and a total of 130 destinations worldwide and, as a hub for connecting Africa with the rest of the world, we are in the best strategic location.

Aviation.Direct: Why should you definitely visit Ethiopia?

Saba G Kassaye: Ethiopia has all the attractions you need: culture, history and nature. Ethiopia is one of those magical places that have to be seen to be believed, with beautiful culture, fascinating wildlife and a long history. It might not be the first place you think of when you think of Africa, but an Ethiopia tour definitely should be. Ethiopia has the most extraordinary landscapes in Africa. From the rugged peaks of the Simien Mountains to the dense Afro-Alpine forests of the Bale Mountains or the kaleidoscopic acid springs of the Danakil Depression - it's one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Aviation.Direct: Would you please introduce us to your personal must-see place in Ethiopia?

Saba G Kassaye: In Ethiopia there are nine UNESCO World Heritage attractions, eight cultural sites and a nature reserve, the Simien National Park. Daily adventures vary from excursions focused on the rich history of our land, to the beauty of the daily life of indigenous tribes, bird watching galore for enthusiasts, trekking in stunning natural surroundings or just relaxing in the warmth of our Ethiopian hospitality

You can also opt for a hike to the "Roof of Africa" ​​- the Simien Mountains in northern Ethiopia are known for their dramatic landscapes and breathtaking landscapes with deep gorges, steep slopes, steep chasms and jagged towers.

Ethiopian Meskel: Finding the True Cross, Timket (Epiphany) and the Great Run are beautifully celebrated in Ethiopia. Ethiopia for foodies Ethiopian culinary delights - Each ethnic group has its own culture, which is manifested in the widespread diet. Ethiopian food is flavorful. After coffee, teff is Ethiopia's second gift to the world. You will also enjoy famous Ethiopian hospitality wherever you go.

Aviation.Direct: And if you are asked in Ethiopia: What should you definitely see in Austria? Saba G Kassaye: Austria is a beautiful country with a lot to discover. Since I've only been here for a few months, I only had the opportunity to visit Vienna, which I have not yet fully explored. I would advise Ethiopians to visit Schönbrunn Palace with the oldest zoo in Europe, which was the seat of the monarchy for centuries, Belvedere Palace with a wonderful collection of works of art and St. Stephen's Cathedral, which is the most beautiful cathedral I have ever seen in my life , to visit.