Kuala lumpur: Ethiopian Airlines is strengthening its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, with Malaysia emerging as one of its fastest-growing markets amid surging air travel demand between Africa and Asia. Its regional manager for Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, Telila Deressa Gutema, said the airline’s current strategy focuses on expanding connectivity, increasing frequencies, and modernizing its fleet to cater to rising passenger and cargo demand across major Asian hubs.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the airline is prioritizing stronger footholds in markets such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, China, and Japan, supported by advanced long-haul aircraft, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350. “At Ethiopian Airlines, our vision is to build an interconnected global network that enhances economic, cultural, and social exchanges. Asia-Pacific (APAC) is central to that ambition,” Telila told Bernama recently.
Ethiopian Airlines resumed services to Kuala Lumpur on March 25, 2023, with three weekly flights, and the response has been very encouraging, mainly driven by business travelers, leisure passengers, and religious pilgrims. “There is a significant trend of passengers using Addis Ababa as a gateway to the wider African continent. We will adjust frequencies based on sustained demand in the coming months,” Telila said.
The airline’s optimism is supported by data from the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM), which forecast a 137.8 percent growth in seat capacity to Africa this year, making Malaysia one of its fastest-growing international regions. Telila attributed this momentum to rising household incomes, simplified visa processes, and growing interest among Malaysians in Africa’s cultural and eco-tourism offerings.
The vision for a broader route expansion also shows renewed interest in Africa, reflected in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent three-country visit to Ethiopia, South Africa, and Kenya, which underscored Malaysia’s aim to deepen economic links with the continent. Telila said the visit demonstrated growing engagement opportunities for both regions, particularly in trade, investment, and tourism.
Anwar’s three-day visit to the “Horn of Africa” on Nov 18-20 was the first for a Malaysian Prime Minister, which also celebrated the reopening of Malaysia’s mission in Addis Ababa on Sept 23, 2025, after a lapse of 42 years. During the visit, both countries exchanged a bilateral air service agreement to establish the legal and regulatory framework under which designated airlines between Ethiopia and Malaysia would operate international air transport services between and beyond their respective territories.
Ethiopian Airlines currently operates around 120 weekly frequencies across nearly 20 destinations in Asia. The carrier is also studying opportunities for new APAC routes, with markets such as Australia, Saudi Arabia, and the Maldives among those targeted for 2026-2027. To enhance connectivity, Telila said the airline has expanded partnerships, including a new strategic joint business and codeshare arrangement with Etihad Airways, providing seamless travel options to Abu Dhabi, Kuala Lumpur, Osaka, and upcoming regional destinations such as Phnom Penh.
Citing UN tourism data, Telila said Africa has seen remarkable growth in travel demand between the continent and the Asia-Pacific region, with a 12 percent increase in international visitors during the first half of 2025, compared to the same period last year. “We are also seeing more African businesses and entrepreneurs connecting with fast-maturing markets in Asia, particularly in exporting manufacturing, minerals, and energy as well as agriculture,” he said, adding that leisure demand is also on an upward trend, especially among younger travelers seeking safari experiences, cultural exploration, and nature-based tourism.
Ethiopian Airlines is investing heavily in fleet growth and sustainability to meet rising demand. The carrier currently operates 143 aircraft, comprising about 80 wide-body jets such as the A350 and B787, and 63 narrow-body aircraft, including the Boeing 737 and Bombardier Q400. On order were 11 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, eight Boeing 777-9s, and 11 Airbus A350-900s, which would support long-haul connectivity across APAC, according to Telila.
Moving forward, he said Ethiopian Airlines maintains an optimistic outlook for next year, buoyed by APAC’s strong recovery and increasing international travel demand. “This region is rebounding rapidly, driven by a growing middle class and resilient demand for global travel. We see 2026 as a pivotal step in reshaping how Asia and Africa connect,” Telila said. Key growth markets for Ethiopian Airlines in 2026 include Malaysia, Singapore, China, and India, with plans to deepen its presence in Southeast Asia through government and industry partnerships.