Addis Ababa – The U.S. Trade and Development Agency signed a grant with Ethiopian Airlines Enterprise providing technical assistance including training for airline management and staff on a range of software, hardware, data analytics, services and best practices.

The grant supports Ethiopian Airlines’ procurement and implementation of airlines information technology solutions, consulting services and best practices, which ultimately will help improve operational efficiency and profitability of commercial airlines in Africa.  

The U.S. travel technology company, Sabre GLBL Inc. (Southlake, Texas), will carry out the training, which will occur in-country over the course of two years, concentrated in four workshops.

“We are pleased to continue our partnership with Ethiopian Airlines,” said USTDA’s Director, Congressional and Public Affairs, Thomas R. Hardy. “This project will improve the efficiency and profitability of airlines in Africa, while creating new business opportunities for U.S. companies.”

“Ethiopian Airlines is one of aviation’s most compelling success stories, having overcome industry challenges to achieve sustained growth in Africa and beyond,” said Dino Gelmetti, vice president EMEA, Airline Solutions, Sabre.  “Sabre’s technology has powered Ethiopian Airlines for more than a decade and we recently announced a seven-year renewal of our SabreSonic passenger reservations system, along with several new solutions that have almost been completely implemented.  We are now looking forward to providing the carrier with training on the latest technology that will help increase revenues, enhance the passenger experience and further drive its reputation as a world-class airline.”