Ethiopian Airlines’ Aman Wole Gurmu Talks China-Africa Ties

The 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit (FOCAC), held from September 4 to 6 in Beijing, marked another significant step in strengthening the partnership between China and African nations. 

This highly anticipated event took place during the currently ongoing ‘China-Africa Cooperation Year,’ and focused on enhancing economic and trade ties across various sectors. 

Among the key participants was Ethiopian Airlines, which has long played a crucial role in fostering connectivity between the two continents. 

As Africa’s leading carrier, Ethiopian Airlines has not only facilitated travel and trade, but also contributed to a broader narrative of mutual benefit and shared growth between China and Africa.

At the summit, That’s had the unique opportunity to speak with Aman Wole Gurmu, the Country Director China of Ethiopian Airlines, about the airline’s pivotal role in Sino-African relations. 

Gurmu covered Ethiopian Airlines’ impressive route network, the rising cargo trade between China and Africa, and the airline’s dedication to providing top-tier service for Chinese passengers. 

Can you tell us about Ethiopian Airlines’ participation in the 8th China-Africa Business Forum Summit and the new development opportunities created by China-Africa cooperation?
Ethiopian Airlines was honored to participate in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit as a representative of African enterprises. As a key player in Sino-African economic exchanges, we have consistently been at the forefront of fostering cooperation between the two regions.

Through our extensive route network and excellent flight services, Ethiopian Airlines has become a vital bridge – transporting more than 1.26 million passengers over the past 24 years.

This participation opens up exciting new development opportunities, particularly in exploring innovative modes of cooperation with Chinese enterprises. The launch of the ‘China-Africa Quality Improvement Plan’ is particularly beneficial, as it allows us to further support trade and ensure African countries can benefit from favorable policies in the current climate.

Since the establishment of the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation in 2000, what routes has Ethiopian Airlines opened to promote exchanges between China and Africa?
Ethiopian Airlines was the first African airline to establish direct flights to China – with our inaugural flight to Shanghai in February 1973. Since then, we have expanded our services significantly, making China one of our most important destinations. 

As of today, we operate 28 weekly passenger flights from Addis Ababa to key cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Hong Kong. These flights are complemented by our extensive network in Africa – where we connect over 60 destinations, making us the airline with the most comprehensive route network on the continent.

What about cargo flights? How have they contributed to economic exchanges between China and Africa?
Our cargo services play a critical role in boosting economic exchanges between China and Africa. Currently, Ethiopian Airlines operates 26 weekly cargo flights to nine major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. These routes have significantly increased the capacity for trade between the two regions, particularly in sectors like cross-border e-commerce. 

The cargo we transport includes everything from machinery and textiles, to coffee beans and agricultural products. Since 2020, our cargo operations have grown rapidly, with total shipments exceeding 532,000 tons between China and Africa. In 2024 alone, we expect our cargo volume to grow by 46% compared to 2019 – a clear sign of the rising demand for trade between the two regions.

What types of products are most commonly exported between China and Africa, and how has the volume of cargo changed in recent years?
The key exports from China to Africa include machinery, textiles, digital home appliances, and chemical products, while Africa exports agricultural products like coffee beans, timber, and minerals to China.

Since 2020, we’ve witnessed an impressive surge in cargo volume, particularly in the first half of 2024. Ethiopian Airlines transported nearly 200,000 tons of cargo from Africa to China, driven by the growing demand for African goods in the Chinese market.

Additionally, with Ethiopia joining the BRICS alliance in 2023, we’ve seen a surge in cross-border e-commerce between China and Africa – particularly through hubs like Guangzhou, where cargo volumes reached over 13,000 tons in just the first seven months of 2024.

What new services does Ethiopian Airlines offer to enhance the travel experience for Chinese passengers?
To cater to our Chinese passengers, we’ve made several enhancements at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming environment. Every area is marked with Chinese-language signs – from transfer guidance to immigration services.

We also have dedicated counters staffed by Chinese-speaking employees who are available to assist with any issues. We strive to make our Chinese passengers feel at home – even when they are far from their country.

One heartwarming example of our commitment to service occurred just last month, when one of our Chinese employees, Yin Zi’ang, helped a passenger who had fallen ill during a transfer. Yin quickly arranged for the passenger to be taken to the hospital and ensured all necessary arrangements were made.

The passenger later sent a heartfelt thank-you letter, expressing deep gratitude for the care they received. It’s moments like these that reflect the deep connection between China and Africa, with Ethiopian Airlines serving as more than just a carrier — we are a bridge that strengthens understanding and friendship between the two continents.