The managements of Ethiopian Airlines and Air Côte d’Ivoire have entered into a codeshare agreement effective May, 2018.
Under the new codeshare partnership, passengers originating from West African countries, especially from Lagos, Bamako, Cotonou, Accra and Lomé would board Air Côte d’Ivoire flights and enjoy fast and seamless connection to Newark on-board Ethiopian direct service to Newark via Abidjan.
A statement by Ethiopian Airlines’ media consultant in Nigeria quoted Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ethiopian Airlines as sayin that the airline was delighted to partner with Air Côte d’Ivoire with a view to connect passengers from West Africa to its new flights to Newark via Abidjan.
He commended the Côte d’Ivoire Government, its Minister of Transport as well as Air Côte d’Ivoire for making the partnership possible.
He added: “Ethiopian new Abidjan flights to Newark will be operated in complementarily to our existing Newark service via Lomé, which is being availed together with our strategic partner, ASKY Airlines. Such partnerships among sisterly African airlines are crucial for African countries to fill the connectivity vacuum in the continent and for African carriers to regain their market share in their home market.”
René Decurey, CEO of Air Côte d’Ivoire, recalled that a few months ago, Abidjan airport was certified to carry out direct links with the USA.
He said the airline was now ready to launch theses direct flights and Air Côte d’Ivoire was very happy to carry out the operation in codeshare with Ethiopian Airlines.
This agreement, he said would allow Air Côte d’Ivoire to sell the flights as well while the airline would be able to offer passengers on its network, flights to the USA via Abidjan with a single Air Côte d’Ivoire ticket.
“We are convinced that this partnership is the beginning of a long collaboration that will fully benefit our two Airlines and African passengers who used to pass through Europe to travel to the USA,” he added.
Ethiopian currently flies to 58 cities in Africa and more than 112 destinations globally.
Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines said it has been recognised by TripAdvisor, one of the largest and most reputed global travel sites, as ‘The Best Business Class in Africa and Indian Ocean.’
TripAdvisor has evaluated the world’s top carriers based on reviews and ratings gathered from travellers worldwide over a 12-month period and recognized Ethiopian for its outstanding service, as well as the quality and value in its service delivery.
GebreMariam, said: “We are highly honoured to receive this award from TripAdvisor, the most prestigious global travel site. I wish to thank the TripAdvisor community for their resounding vote of confidence in our premium class product and service. We offer the best value proposition to premium travelers, whether corporate or government, thanks to our operational excellence, convenient and seamless connectivity, superior on-board product and top-notch end-to–end customer service.
“We will continue to invest in the latest the technology aircraft such as the B787 and A350 that offer unmatched on-board comfort and to enhance our premium on-ground and on-board offerings with a superior level of service so as to meet the high expectations of premium travellers and remain their airline of choice.”
