Ethiopian Airlines has launched its ambitious Vision 2040, setting the stage for a transformative 15-year strategy to become Africa’s premier aviation powerhouse as it approaches its 80th anniversary.

In an exclusive interview with Pulse of Africa, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew outlined a roadmap designed to drive fast, profitable, and sustainable growth, building on the airline’s eight decades of resilience and operational excellence.

The plan centers on five strategic pillars: fleet modernization, infrastructure development, human capital investment, advanced ICT systems, and sustainability. Under Vision 2040, Ethiopian Airlines aims to expand its destinations from 145 to 203 and grow its fleet from roughly 150 aircraft to at least 250.

Passenger traffic is projected to triple from 20 million to 60 million annually, while cargo capacity is set to exceed 2.1 million tons, generating over $30 billion in annual revenue and solidifying the airline’s status among the world’s leading carriers.

A cornerstone of the strategy is the construction of a mega-airport in Bishoftu, capable of handling up to 60 million passengers per year, which will ease congestion at Addis Ababa’s existing hub and strengthen Ethiopia’s position as a major African aviation gateway.

Domestically, the airline plans to double its destinations from 23 to 47, boosting connectivity and creating new economic opportunities across the country.

Vision 2040 also aligns with Africa’s broader economic integration goals under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Recognizing that efficient air transport is key to the free movement of goods and people, Ethiopian Airlines aims to support trade, tourism, and regional connectivity.

Mesfin Tasew emphasized partnerships with African governments and carriers to build a more integrated continental aviation network, improving connectivity, reducing costs, and expanding reliable services, particularly in underserved markets.

Framing the initiative as both a business strategy and a Pan-African mission, Mesfin stressed the airline’s role in Africa’s socio-economic development, providing accessible and efficient air transport while advancing continental growth.

As global aviation evolves, Ethiopian Airlines is not only keeping pace but actively shaping the future of air travel in Africa, positioning itself as a continental leader on the global stage by 2040.