Ethiopian Airlines Achieves 80 Consecutive Years of Profit

Ethiopian Airlines has achieved a remarkable milestone, turning a profit for 80 consecutive years despite facing challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, a civil war, and a global Boeing crisis. The airline's growth is considered one of the most impressive stories in aviation. In the 2025-26 fiscal year, Ethiopian Airlines group reported $9.1 billion in revenue, a 20 percent increase from the previous year. This achievement solidifies its position as a leader in African aviation.

The airline's impressive performance can be attributed to its extensive network, operating 170 aircraft with dozens more on order, and flying to 145 international destinations. Ethiopian Airlines carried 20.7 million passengers and moved 897,000 metric tons of cargo in a single year. Its fleet includes the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350-900 and A350-1000, with an average fleet age of under seven years, making it the youngest wide-body fleet on the continent.

Ethiopian Airlines was founded in 1945 and started flying in 1946, making it one of the oldest carriers on the continent. The airline has consistently turned a profit, even during challenging times such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the Tigray conflict, and instability in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Middle East. In contrast, most African airlines are barely breaking even, with industry-wide profit per passenger across the continent sitting at around $1.30.

The airline's success can be attributed to its efficient operations and loyal customer base. Ethiopian Airlines runs its own frequent flyer program, Sheba miles, and has been a member of Star Alliance since 2011, which provides code-sharing agreements with major airlines such as United, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines. The airline's premium offering, Cloud 9, offers competitive services, including fully flat seats and direct aisle access on newer aircraft.

Ethiopian Airlines is also investing heavily in its infrastructure, breaking ground on Bishoftu International Airport on January 10, 2026, with a price tag of $12.5 billion. The airport is designed to handle over 100 million passengers per year and will be the largest airport ever built in Africa. The project is expected to be completed in phases, with the first phase including four runways and a terminal built for 60 million passengers.

The airline's ambitious vision for the future is outlined in its Vision 2035 plan, which aims to operate 271 aircraft, carrying 65 million passengers a year, generating $29 billion in revenue, and ranking among the top 20 airlines in the world. If successful, Ethiopian Airlines will become a genuine global heavyweight, expanding its reach beyond Africa.

As Ethiopian Airlines continues to grow and expand, it remains committed to providing high-quality services to its customers. The airline's loyalty program and Star Alliance membership provide customers with seamless travel experiences, while its Cloud 9 services offer premium amenities. With its impressive track record and ambitious plans, Ethiopian Airlines is poised to remain a leader in African aviation for years to come.

Key points

• Ethiopian Airlines reports $9.1 billion in revenue for 2025-26 fiscal year.
• The airline has achieved 80 consecutive years of profit despite facing challenges.
• Ethiopian Airlines is investing $12.5 billion in Bishoftu International Airport, the largest airport in Africa.