Ethiopian Airlines looking to compete throughout Africa with JVs, stakes in smaller airlines

Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde GebreMariam stated the carrier plans to purchase stakes in small airlines in Africa as a way to avoid high taxes and protectionism, as it seeks expansion throughout the continent (Reuters, 08-May-2018). Mr GebreMariam said Ethiopian Airlines hopes to set up a new wholly owned subsidiary in Mozambique, in addition to plans to establish JV agreements in Chad, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea. He explained: "Going forward, it will be difficult for us to compete with only one hub in Addis Ababa".