China Southern Airlines has launched a new air route connecting Guangzhou and Addis Ababa, providing a direct air link between Ethiopia and one of China’s major commercial and manufacturing centres.
The airline’s inaugural flight, CZ8095, arrived at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport on October 12 carrying 224 passengers, marking the start of the Guangzhou–Changsha–Addis Ababa service.
The new route is currently the only service to Ethiopia operated by a Chinese airline, according to China Southern Airlines.
The inaugural flight was welcomed at Bole International Airport with a traditional water salute. Representatives of the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, Ethiopian government institutions, Ethiopian Airlines, the airport and Ethiopian media attended the welcoming ceremony.
The service will operate twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, using Boeing 787 wide-body aircraft.
The return flight, CZ8096, is scheduled to depart Addis Ababa for Guangzhou, via Changsha. The airline said flight schedules are subject to change and passengers should check the latest information before travelling.