Eight flights operated entirely by women celebrate the airline’s 80-year history and women’s contributions to aviation.

AIRLINE MARKS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY WITH SPECIAL FLIGHTS

Ethiopian Airlines marked International Women’s Day by operating eight flights staffed entirely by women, highlighting both the airline’s eight decades of service and the role of women across the aviation industry.

The initiative was launched during an event held on 7 March 2026 at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, attended by government officials, airline executives, women leaders and employees representing Ethiopian Airlines and its partner organisations.

The flights operated to Cairo, Djibouti, Nairobi, Frankfurt, Accra, Mumbai, Windhoek and Dire Dawa.

CELEBRATING WOMEN’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO AVIATION

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said the airline continues to promote women’s participation across multiple areas of the business, including flight operations, leadership roles and corporate positions.

“Ethiopian Airlines has consistently led the way in advancing women’s participation across all areas of its business, ensuring equal opportunities in flight operations, leadership, and corporate positions,” he said.

Tasew added that the 2026 celebration is particularly significant as it coincides with the airline’s 80th anniversary, with the eight flights symbolising the eight decades since Ethiopian Airlines began operations in 1946 with a scheduled service to Cairo.

WOMEN REPRESENT 40% OF WORKFORCE

According to the airline, women currently represent approximately 40% of the Ethiopian Airlines Group workforce across its various business divisions.

Ethiopian Airlines has operated all-women functioned flights annually since 2015 as part of its International Women’s Day celebrations, recognising the contribution of women across technical, operational and leadership roles within the aviation industry.

The airline currently operates services to more than 160 passenger and cargo destinations worldwide using a fleet that includes Boeing 737, 777 and 787 aircraft, Airbus A350 variants and De Havilland Q400 turboprops.