Do not want to take risks: Ethiopia refused to hand over to Russia planes

The statement appeared in response to a recent article published by the profile media, which stated that the Ethiopia authorities were negotiating with their Russian colleagues on a potential aircraft leasing agreement, in particular, a service lease agreement with aircraft, crew, maintenance. This topic was raised during a bilateral meeting of officials of Ethiopia and Russia, which took place last month, where both parties expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the field of aviation.

However, the formal agreement was not reached, and the Civil Aviation Department (ECAA) explained that although the discussion took place, it was not authorized to give Ethiopian airlines to lease aircraft and did not do so. And the CEO, when communicating with the press, outlined two main reasons why Ethiopian Airlines does not intend to conclude the following agreement: Ethiopian Airlines is considered one of Africa's most successful and professionally managed air carriers.

Possessing a park with more than 140 aircraft and growing global partnerships, the airline plays a strategic role in ensuring the connection of the African continent with the rest of the world. Many profile and Ethiopian media reported that the Russian government has expressed interest in leasing foreign aircraft to mitigate the consequences of Western sanctions, which seriously restricted access to new aircraft and spare parts.

But Ethiopian Airlines is obviously avoiding geopolitical difficulties, preferring to focus on your strategy for growth and compliance with the regulatory requirements of their Western partners. We will remind, Focus wrote that Russia was very interested in renting planes in Ethiopia. The Russian delegation was headed by the Russian Federation Trade Representative in the country Yaroslav Tarasyuk, who met with the CEO of the Civil Aviation Department of Ethiopia Johannes Abera.