Ethiopian Airlines Celebrates Graduation of 974 Aviation Trainees, Strengthening African Aviation’s Future
(IN SHORT) Ethiopian Airlines has celebrated the graduation of 974 aviation trainees from Ethiopian Aviation University, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s efforts to develop skilled aviation professionals across Africa. The graduates specialize in various fields, including Aircraft Maintenance, Pilot Training, Cabin Crew, and more. Ethiopian Airlines continues to strengthen its role in African aviation while maintaining close ties with China. With a history of excellence and expansion, Ethiopian Aviation University is now poised to further increase its capacity and impact in aviation training.
(PRESS RELEASE) ADDIS ABABA, 2025-May-5 — /Travel PR News/ — Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, proudly announces the graduation of 974 aviation trainees from its renowned Aviation University. The vibrant ceremony, held on May 3, 2025, at Ethiopian Aviation University, was attended by ambassadors, country representatives, airline executives, distinguished guests, and the graduates’ families.
The graduates specialized in various fields including Aircraft Maintenance (184), Pilot Training (43), Cabin Crew (448), Commercial Operations (255), and Hotel Operations (44), and come from diverse backgrounds, representing a broad array of African nationalities as well as Chinese nationals. Among the graduates are 38 Chinese, 34 Congolese, 19 Mozambican, 8 Cameroonian, 2 Gabonese, 1 Zambian, 1 South Sudanese, 1 Ugandan, and 1 Sierra Leonean. Of the 974 graduates, 614 are female and 360 are male, underscoring Ethiopian Airlines’ dedication to fostering talent and gender diversity in aviation.
Ethiopian Airlines continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of African aviation by creating a pipeline of skilled professionals who will serve the industry across the continent. This event also reflects the airline’s longstanding partnership with China, which dates back to 1973 when Ethiopian Airlines became the first African carrier to establish direct flights to China. The airline has since further solidified these ties through training and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Reflecting on the milestone, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, expressed, “We are immensely proud of our graduates and their outstanding achievements. Their success represents the rich potential of African aviation, and we are confident that they will carry the knowledge and skills gained at Ethiopian Aviation University into successful careers. Our university, with its state-of-the-art technologies and seasoned professionals, will continue to lead in excellence, serving the region and beyond.”
Since its founding nearly 70 years ago, Ethiopian Aviation University has graduated over 20,000 aviation professionals from Ethiopia and across the globe. The university, which was granted full university status in March 2023, offers a wide range of programs, including certificate and diploma courses for pilots, aircraft maintenance, and cabin crew, and now boasts undergraduate and graduate degrees such as BSc in Aeronautical Engineering, BSc in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, BSc in Aviation Management, BA in Tourism & Hospitality Management, and MBA in Aviation Management.
In line with Ethiopian Airlines’ Vision 2035, Ethiopian Aviation University is rapidly expanding, currently offering comprehensive training programs across Addis Ababa, Hawassa, and Dire Dawa. With an annual enrollment capacity of around 4,000 students, the university aims to accommodate approximately 7,000 students in the coming years as part of its ongoing growth and commitment to developing the next generation of aviation leaders.
Media contact:
CorporateCommunication@ethiopianairlines.com
(251-11)517-8913/8165/8907
SOURCE: Ethiopian Airlines
