Profit Rises as Passenger Numbers Grow for Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines recorded a solid 8% rise in revenue during its 2024/25 fiscal year, reaching $7.6 billion. The carrier saw an 11% increase in passenger traffic, carrying 19 million travelers, CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele said during a press briefing. This growth followed a particularly strong 15% rise in the prior year, signaling sustained recovery in African aviation despite regional and operational obstacles.
The airline overcame disruptions such as conflicts in Sudan, the Middle East, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as U.S. regulatory changes affecting operations, which shows its resilience.
Growth Drivers: Routes and Fleet Expansion
The airline added six new routes during the fiscal year, extended its service network, and received its fourth Airbus A350-1000, part of a broader fleet renewal and expansion strategy. In June, the CEO also revealed plans to possibly order at least 20 regional or small narrow-body jets to bolster domestic connectivity and replace aging aircraft.
Despite this momentum, the airline continues to face grounded aircraft due to engine maintenance bottlenecks, particularly for older planes.
Broader Context: Ethiopian Airlines Performance Over Time
In the previous fiscal year, Ethiopian reported approximately $7 billion in revenue, with around 17.6 million passengers carried. The current 8% gain reflects strong fundamentals but a moderation from earlier growth that peaked at 15%.
| Year | Revenue (USD) | Passenger Numbers |
| 2023–24 | $7.0B | 17.6M |
| 2024–25 | $7.6B | 19.0M |
The airline remains Africa’s largest by fleet size and network, operating 150+ aircraft including widebody and narrowbody jets. It continues to lead regional aviation infrastructure, including its involvement in the mega-airport project near Bishoftu, planned for completion by 2029 with a 100 million passenger annual capacity.
Outlook: Strategy and Challenges Ahead
Ethiopian’s trajectory supports its Vision 2035 goals, aimed at doubling passenger traffic and expanding fleet capacity. The CEO’s comments underscore the importance of maintaining momentum despite risks, ranging from geopolitical instability to supply chain constraints.
What’s Next?:
- Will the airline confirm orders for narrow-body jets to reinforce domestic reach?
- Can engine maintenance backlogs be cleared to prevent further grounding?
- How will international route expansion and mega-airport development shape growth?
