Ethiopian Airlines Seals Deal to Launch South Sudan’s Flag Carrier

7 days ago Editor

Ethiopian Airlines has formalized an MoU with South Sudan to create the nation’s long-anticipated flag carrier, aiming to boost economic growth, air connectivity, and regional integration.

Ethiopian Airlines has finalized its 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South Sudanese government, solidifying plans to establish South Sudan’s national carrier. The formal agreement was signed in Juba by South Sudan’s Transport Minister Madut Biar and Ethiopian Ambassador Nabil Mahdi on November 7. This marks a significant step in the nation’s goal to develop its aviation sector.

Under the agreement, Ethiopian Airlines will manage and support the new airline, providing essential training and technical expertise. The management deal also includes transitioning the control of South Sudan’s airspace from Sudanese oversight.

Transport Minister Biar emphasized that Ethiopian Airlines’ involvement would bring valuable expertise in airline management and training, contributing to South Sudan’s post-conflict development, improved connectivity, job creation, and economic growth.

Efforts to launch a national carrier have faced obstacles since South Sudan’s independence in 2011, primarily due to political and civil instability. Past initiatives included a 2012 tender that initially selected Atlasjet Airlines as a partner, but the Turkish airline withdrew by 2013. Talks with Ethiopian Airlines for a joint venture date back to 2014, with the airline poised to hold a 49% stake, while the South Sudanese government would retain 51%.

Current domestic routes in South Sudan are serviced by private operator Kush Air, while regional connections are facilitated by carriers like Badr Airlines, Uganda Airlines, and Kenya Airways. Ethiopian Airlines has a dominant presence at Juba, controlling over 30% of the market share in weekly seat capacity.

The new collaboration aligns with Ethiopian Airlines’ Vision 2025 plan, which aims to establish multiple regional hubs across Africa, strengthening its influence and expanding connectivity. The airline has successfully launched joint ventures in Togo (ASKY Airlines), Zambia, DR Congo (Air Congo), and Malawi. This move underscores Ethiopian’s commitment to shaping Africa’s aviation landscape despite challenges in past ventures in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Guinea.