Ethiopian Cargo has inaugurated its $55 million E-commerce Logistics Hub (ELH) at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in a red carpet event that saw members of the Ethiopian government attend to mark the moment.
Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele, Ethiopian Minister of Transport Dagmawit Moges and Ethiopian Minister of Information and Technology Belete Molla stood alongside over 300 distinguished guests, including ambassadors, freight media, stakeholders, suppliers and customers.
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The state-of-the-art hub spans 15,000 sq m and is seamlessly integrated within Cargo Terminal II, boasting a capacity of 150,000 tonnes. This infrastructure facility took two-and-a-half years to complete and is the first of its kind on the African continent.
As the largest airline in Africa, Ethiopian Airlines has assumed the pivotal responsibility of championing air cargo as a fundamental conduit for trade to and from the continent. In his address, Bekele underscored the global significance of such logistical centres, aligning Ethiopian Airlines with the prevailing trend in international commerce. He emphasised the manifestation of a Pan-African spirit through the airline’s substantial investment in the hub, portraying a steadfast commitment to bolstering connectivity between the region’s cargo network and the global market.
e-commerce offering
Ethiopian Cargo has four key e-commerce products. They are: ET-ECOM; ET-MAIL; ET-COURIER: and ON DEMAND FULFILLMENT; with all these supported by the hew hub.
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, a bustling aviation hub nestled in Ethiopia’s capital, serves as the nerve centre for the airlines and stands as a cornerstone for air cargo operations in Africa. The airport’s strategic location positions it as a pivotal transit point for cargo traffic traversing between Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, facilitating seamless trade and commerce across continents.
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Bekele is convinced that the inauguration of the e-commerce logistics hub marks a watershed moment for Ethiopian Airlines and underscores its unwavering commitment to enhancing air cargo infrastructure, fostering global connectivity and championing economic growth across the African continent and beyond.
Chinese cooperation
Expressing gratitude, Bekele acknowledged the invaluable contribution of Chinese partners and investors who spearheaded the financing for the hub. A video message from one of the Chinese partners, representing Henan Airport and Zhengzhou Airlines, further underscored the collaborative effort driving this endeavour.
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, situated in the heart of South Central China’s Henan province, stands as a bustling international gateway, underlining the robust partnership between Ethiopian Airlines and its Chinese counterparts. Operated by Henan Airport Group, the airport serves as a strategic hub for leading airlines, including Cargolux, China Southern Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, West Air, Lucky Air and Donghai Airlines, ranking among the top-tier cargo hubs in China.
 at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in a red carpet event that saw members of the Ethiopian government attend to mark the moment){kind=link}