Ethiopian awarded for outstanding Covid response

Ethiopian awarded for outstanding Covid response

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s most successful airline, was awarded the prestigious Global Recognition and Appreciation Award at the First International Post-Covid Conference held in Toronto. 

The accolade acknowledges Ethiopian Airlines’ pivotal role in distributing emergency gear throughout Africa during the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring the delivery of essential medical supplies and saving countless lives. 

The conference was jointly held by Livelihood Development International Initiatives (LDII), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and other partners aimed at building a unified frontier for responding to future global pandemics. 

While receiving the recognition award from Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Mesfin Tasew expressed his admiration: “We are honoured to receive this prestigious recognition for our significant contribution worldwide during the Covid-19 pandemic. This recognition is a testament to the commitment, dedication and hard work of our team members, the airline community and the stakeholders who worked tirelessly with us to keep our operations running smoothly during those difficult times. This award gives us another courage to stay committed to serving our customers and communities – even during unprecedented challenges”. 

Mesfin emphasised the airline’s adaptability and unwavering commitment in the face of unprecedented challenges.

“Every flight carried is more than just supplies. It carried hope and life. We remain committed to using our global network and expertise to empower”. 

Ethiopian Airlines played a crucial role in reconfiguring approximately 25 passenger aircraft into dedicated cargo freighters. 

The airline conducted over 470 charter repatriation flights, reuniting more than 63 000 citizens with their families and loved ones. 

In collaboration with governmental entities, non-profit organisations and international agencies, Ethiopian Airlines facilitated the transportation of millions of tonnes of personal protective equipment, medical apparatus, vaccines and other essential supplies across Africa and beyond. 

Throughout its 78-year journey, Ethiopian Airlines has preserved its legacy as one of the continent’s leading carriers, renowned for operational excellence and efficiency. 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Ethiopian Airlines was one of the few airlines that managed to continue their operation and serve the global community by transporting medical supplies, humanitarian aid and required personnel to various parts of the world. 

The airline also implemented several strategies amid the pandemic to weather the crisis, including service diversification, precautionary measures and responsive management.