US Advisory Council on doing business in Africa visits Ethiopian Airlines

Above: US Under Secretary of Commerce Gilbert Kaplan (right) led a large delegation of US businesses and officials from across the US government on a visit to Ethiopian Airlines, meeting Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde Gebremariam (left), to discuss potential partnerships between US companies and Ethiopian Airlines.

Under Secretary Kaplan met with Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde Gebremariam, to discuss potential ways for US companies to partner with Ethiopian Airlines to achieve even greater growth, including in the construction and operation of new airports. The rest of the group toured Ethiopian Airlines’ impressive aviation academy and cargo facilities.

During the visit, Ethiopian Airlines announced deals with General Electric (GE) and Honeywell and a training grant from the US Trade Development Agency (USTDA). USTDA is partnering with the Sabre Corporation to provide an Airline Solutions Training Program Technical Assistance grant for Ethiopian Airlines Enterprise, which could leverage up to $21.2 million in financing to support the procurement of airline information technology solutions, consulting services, and industry best practices.

Ethiopian Airlines is procuring 12 General Electric engines valued at $444 million, as well as a separate $473.5 million 10-year maintenance contract. Ethiopian Airlines has also signed two contracts with Honeywell – a $10.2 million deal for the Bole Airport expansion and a $7.2 million Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) service contract.