Addis Ababa, March 8, 2024
The leading aviation group in Africa and one of the fastest growing airline brands globally, Ethiopian Airlines Group, has colorfully celebrated the International Women’s Day (IWD), March 8 with an all women-functioned flight to London-Heathrow. The airline, according to a press released issued today, commemorated the day at Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, honoring women’s contribution in the aviation industry. The vibrant celebration took place in the presence of high-ranking government officials, ambassadors, honorable guests alongside the incredible women of Ethiopian Airlines, with the theme “Empowering Women: Connecting Africa.”
Celebrating women’s excellence at Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, and Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines stated, “I would like to proudly acknowledge the invaluable role of women in driving the success of Ethiopian Airlines. As staunch advocates of gender equality, we’re honored to have women professionals excelling in every facet of our operations, showcasing remarkable performance and dedication in their line of work. Today, we shine a spotlight on these trailblazers who are not only shaping the legacy of Ethiopian Airlines but also inspiring future generations of women in aviation. As is our custom, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our all-women operated flight to London to grace the day.”
Gracing the night, Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones and H.E. Darren Welch, the British Ambassador to Ethiopia conveyed their congratulatory messages to Ethiopian Group CEO Mr. Mesfin and the entire Ethiopian team.
The celebration further proceeded with an all-women-functioned flight from Addis Ababa to London commanded by Captain Kalkidan Girma, the first Ethiopian female captain of the Airbus A350.
Zenebework G/Tsadik, Group VP Human Capital Management in her part remarked, “Ethiopian Airlines is an equal opportunity employer. We consistently prioritize inclusive work environment that empowers women to make significant contributions in various roles within the company and we strongly believe in promoting equal gender opportunity at every level.”
The captain of this year’s all women functioned flight, Captain Mrs. Kalkidan Girma stated, “This all-women-functioned flight initiative not only empowers women but also sends a powerful message about gender equality. We want to inspire future generations of female aviators and we continue to lead the way in promoting gender equality within the aviation industry.”
“As women take part in every aspect of our aviation field, we are immensely honored to contribute to this milestone. With this dedicated flight, we celebrate the indispensable role women play in our aviation group and the broader industry to ensure that Ethiopian Airlines remains competitive in a dynamic global market,” stated Mrs. Rahel Assefa, Group VP Marketing. Ethiopian Airlines Group boasts women professionals in various areas of its operations including male dominated line of works such as pilot, aircraft technician and more. The airline has also been operating all women functioned flights to different parts of the world since 2015, showing the professionalism and capability in women.
