It is safe to assert that Africa’s largest airline is making a play for the world stage as it has increased its destinations across the continent. Ethiopian Airlines, valued at US$23 billion, is Africa’s largest airline based on the number of passengers carried, destination, and fleet size. Recently, Ethiopian Airlines has begun flying from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, to Maun, Botswana’s other city, three times a week. This marks Ethiopian Airlines’ second destination in Botswana, complementing their existing route to Gaborone. This feat is achievable owing to the revamp projects carried out in major airports across Ethiopia, such as the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in recent years.
The commitment of the airline to increase its destinations illustrates its agenda to set itself up for the world stage. The airline has noted on most occasions its ambition to spread its wings farther to other regions across the globe. This is plausible considering the airline is also one of the world’s top 50 most valuable and strongest airline brands worldwide.
The Significance of Africa’s Largest Airline Increasing its Destinations
The increase in Maun, Botswana, as a destination by Africa’s largest airline is highly significant. The new route provides a more accessible gateway to the popular Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its incredible biodiversity and expansive inland waterways, Ethiopian Airlines noted in a statement. The ambitious project has received accolades from both nations. The increase in destinations is attributed to the recent expansion projects that the airports in Ethiopia have undergone in recent years. For example, the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport upgraded its cargo terminal to accommodate more fleet. The launch also increases relations between Ethiopia and Botswana, fostering diplomatic relations between the two states. The new route also provides convenient connectivity for travelers from Ethiopia and other parts of Africa to the popular tourist destination of Maun. The city is considered the gateway to the Okavango Delta. 
The State of Affairs Regarding Ethiopian Airlines’ Increase in Destinations
The increase in destinations from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to Maun, Botswana, by Africa’s largest airline has received applause from both nations. The inaugural flight departed from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport after a celebration that brought together officials from the Botswana embassy. Furthermore, government representatives, and Ethiopian Airlines executives were also present. Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said Ethiopian Airlines is “committed to its Pan-African roots and continues to connect every part of Africa and beyond.” 
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“We are thrilled to announce that Maun, the tourism capital of Botswana, has joined our vast network,” he said. Ethiopian Airlines champions a vast intra-Africa network operating to more than 60 continents’ destinations via its main hub in Addis Ababa. The increase in the number of destinations also sets Ethiopian Airlines in a good position to expand its destinations beyond the African continent. It also puts Africa on the map as one of the most ambitious aviation hubs in the world.
Other Similar Projects Across the Continent
One of the major projects that could complement the ambitions of Africa’s largest airlines is the construction of state-of-the-art airports across the continent. Kenya is taking the challenge head-on as it seeks to construct a massive airport worth $2 billion in Nairobi to complement the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The construction aims to relieve pressure on the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which has been losing its regional aviation status over capacity and infrastructural lapses. Once completed, the airport is expected to be one of the most advanced airports in the continent in terms of infrastructure.
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