Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s premier carrier, is all set to re-establish its presence at London-Gatwick with a thrice-weekly service beginning November 21, 2023.
Operating every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, the new connection will bolster the airline’s already vast global network.
Celebrating a 50-year affiliation with the UK, the airline’s Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew expressed his enthusiasm about the new venture, recalling their last service to Gatwick in 2005-2006. “We are thrilled to return to Gatwick with our modern Airbus A350-900 aircraft, after our past stint with the Boeing 757,” Tasew remarked. He further emphasized the carrier’s long-standing relations with over 100 UK-based aviation companies, expressing hope for further collaborations due to the expansion.
Travelers can expect a direct flight between London-Gatwick and Addis Ababa on the Airbus A350, which boasts both Business and Economy cabins. This new route is primed to provide uninterrupted connectivity across Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive global routes, covering the Americas, Far East, Africa, and Asia.
Mr. Henock Woubishet, the Area Manager for UK & Ireland, highlighted the significance of the UK market for Ethiopian Airlines. “With the addition of London-Gatwick, Ethiopian will now cater to London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester Airports. This step strengthens our commitment to providing ample capacity for both passengers and our cargo services,” he stated.
Stephanie Wear, VP of Aviation Development at London Gatwick, warmly welcomed Ethiopian Airlines back, recognizing them as a valuable addition given their stature as Africa’s largest carrier. “The new service underscores the growing demand for slots at Gatwick and presents passengers in London and the South East with more direct options to Addis Ababa and beyond,” she added.
Complementing the airline’s daily non-stop flights from T2 London Heathrow and the 5 times weekly service from T2 Manchester, the new service augments Ethiopian’s promise of seamless connectivity across Africa, the Far East, and Asia.
