With air travel demand across Africa skyrocketing and passenger expectations shifting fast in a digital-first world, airlines face mounting pressure to deliver smoother, more efficient journeys while managing increasingly busy operations. At the same time, destinations like Ethiopia are rapidly emerging as hubs for tourism, investment, and trade, raising the stakes for national carriers and leaving a lasting positive impression on travellers.
To meet these challenges head-on, Ethiopian Airlines and SITA have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to co-develop innovative solutions that strengthen the airline’s operations and enhance the passenger experience.
The collaboration will tap into startups, technology providers, business accelerators, and industry partners to identify key challenges and create fresh, forward-looking solutions tailored to the airline’s needs.
“Ethiopia is realising its ambition to become a sophisticated, dynamic destination for investment, trade, and tourism. Ethiopian Airlines plays a central role in making that vision a reality,” said Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO.
“Creating the best first and last impressions for business and leisure travellers is crucial, and this partnership puts us in the best position to deliver exceptional experiences while taking full advantage of the opportunities ahead.”
“Africa is experiencing unprecedented growth in air travel just as passengers’ expectations are being reshaped by rapid advances in digital technology,” said Selim Bouri, president, Middle East and Africa, SITA.
“Hubs like Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport need to provide a frictionless passenger journey so airlines can optimise flight schedules and deliver smooth, memorable trips. This collaboration between Ethiopian Airlines and SITA is all about driving the innovation needed to meet these demands and help shape the future of African aviation.”
With around 2500 customers, SITA technology supports over 1000 airports and more than 19 600 aircraft worldwide. It also helps over 70 governments strike the balance between secure borders and seamless journeys.
SITA is the air transport industry’s tech engine, making travel safer, easier, and more sustainable for everyone. From the earliest days of commercial aviation to today’s digital frontiers, SITA has been there, connecting the industry and helping it evolve through every leap forward.
SITA is investing in the right skills, tools, and partnerships to help the industry move with greater intelligence and agility, bringing together smart systems, seamless data, and sustainable innovation. Because of global travel surges.
As part of its bold climate strategy, SITA is cutting emissions by 4.2% each year and targeting net zero by 2050. SITA operates in more than 200 countries and territories.
– Societe Internationale de Telecommunications Aeronautiques (SITA).
Caption
SITA and Ethiopian Airlines signed a new MoU to co-develop innovative solutions.
