Tibor Nagy Praises Ethiopian Airlines’ Strategic Model

Addis ababa: Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Tibor Nagy has praised Ethiopian Airlines as an institution that has maintained strategic discipline, technical standards, and operational professionalism over decades. Speaking about the airline's rise and its distinctive position on the continent, Nagy said its success was not simply the result of being state-owned, but of functioning with the discipline and independence of a private corporation.According to Ethiopian News Agency, Nagy emphasized the airline's investment in technical capacity and training as key to its reputation. He remarked on the high technical capabilities of the airline, highlighting that European airlines send their pilots to Addis Ababa for simulator training, and lauded the proficiency of Ethiopian Airlines' mechanics. He expressed a personal preference for flying with the airline, citing its strategic foresight and maintenance of high standards.Nagy recounted the professionalism of Ethiopian Airlines dur ing the COVID-19 pandemic when international air travel faced severe disruptions. He noted that the United States relied on the airline to transport American citizens across Africa, as it continued operations when many other airlines had ceased flying. This reliability underscored the airline's critical role during a challenging period.Furthermore, Nagy welcomed Ethiopia's plans for a new airport at Bishoftu, describing the project as visionary and necessary as Addis Ababa expands its role as a major African aviation and economic hub. He pointed out the operational limitations posed by the capital's high altitude, which affects certain aircraft, making the new aviation hub strategically important.Nagy's assessment places Ethiopian Airlines within a broader narrative of institutional resilience and long-term investment. He highlighted the potential for further strengthening the airline's role as a continental aviation hub through a combination of technical expertise, strategic management, and infrastructur e development, as Ethiopia's economy and international connections continue to grow.Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is an exemplary African success story, transforming a visionary dream into a globally renowned reality for nearly eight decades. Operating flights to more than 160 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents, Ethiopian bridges the gaps between Africa and the world.