We capitalized on our cargo and MRO capabilities to generate revenue. When the passenger number plummeted due to the pandemic, we shifted focus to our cargo business and converted 25 passenger aircraft into freighter. 

Ethiopian Airlines is Africa’s oldest and biggest airline flying to over 129 flight destinations in 75 countries. Despite the Covid-19 havoc that has hit hard the airline industry, Ethiopian Airlines has remained strong with their offices open to business. TrueGolfer’s Eric Mukhwana, had an interview with Ms. Meseret Tsegaye, the new Area Manager of Ethiopian Airlines Uganda at her Kimathi Avenue offices and…

Q1. Madam Meseret Tsegaye, you are the new Area Manager of Ethiopian Airlines in Kampala. I hope you have been well received.
Yes, the people of Uganda are hospitable and supportive and I am happy about being here. I was warmly welcomed and a pleasant stay so far with support from colleagues, business partners and the entire community at large.

Q2.  Who is Meseret Tsegaye? What is your training and work background that you are employing in your new role at Uganda office?
As theArea Manager, Iam responsible for coordinating the activities of distribution channels and handling Agents (Technical, Commercial and Catering); Maintaining harmonious relationship with the government authorities of the country I represent and implementing an effective business plan annually.

I joined the airline in 2002 and have served the airline for 19 years in different Managerial positions including Team leader ADD HUB Cargo Import, Team Leader ADD HUB Cargo Export, Team Leader ADD HUB Cargo Mail & Courier, Manager ADD HUB Cargo Export and Area Manager Uganda, my current position.I have Master’s Degree in Business Administration(MBA) from Jimma University, BA Degree in Accounting from Addis Ababa University.I am married and a mother of 3 wonderful children.

Q3.      The Covid-19 Effect: Last year witnessed a global lockdown where passenger airlines across the world stopped flying. How did this affect Ethiopian Airlines as Africa’s biggest airline and how are you navigating out of this crisis?

The pandemic hit the aviation business hard and Ethiopian Airlines is no different. However, we were different in that we implemented various strategic measures to stay afloat and maintain the business without any government bailout and employee layoffs. We capitalized on our cargo and MRO capabilities to generate revenue. When the passenger number plummeted due to the pandemic, we shifted focus to our cargo business and converted 25 passenger aircraft into freighter. These are some of the results of our strategic crisis leadership that helped Ethiopian stay afloat during the pandemic.

Q4.     What are your current flight destinations?
We have currently 127 flights destinations in five continents with our more than 130 modern fleet.

Q5.     Inside Boeing 787 Dreamliner: What is in Ethiopian Airlines’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner First Class, Business Class and Economy Class?
We have numerous entertainment options onboard Boeing 787 Dreamliner economy and business class. In our business class seats,you will get a multi-course meal in a spacious leg room.   

Q6.     Uganda has had two lockdowns that kept people home and offices closed. Coming out of the second lockdown, how is business at Ethiopian Airlines picking up?
Ethiopian business is thriving across Africa with the opening up of countries borders after long lock downs. We are working hard to restore passenger confidence ensuring safety throughout our operations.  We have recently introduced new technology in partnership with HygenX to enhance safety and protect the wellbeing of our customers as they fly Ethiopian.

Q7.     What innovations are you implementing to increase business at your Uganda office?
We are offering various packages for our travelers who book online. Among them are: discounted ticket fares, baggage allowances and others

Q8.     Golfers are frequent travellers to different destinations of the world. What message do you have for them?
Ethiopian Airlines appreciates the Business Partnership it has had for years with the golfing community in Uganda. Golfers are part of the Ethiopian Airlines family and we pledge to keep and grow the partnership in the coming years.

Q9.     What special offers do you have for travellers this December, January Festive Season?
We will prepare special offers via our ET holidays office- a segment of Ethiopian airlines set up to facilitate tourist travelers. Usually, there are different seasonal packages during Ethiopian festive season. 

Q10.   Often times, travellers lose their luggage aboard airlines – of course not Ethiopian. What is your customer promise?
We have digitized our baggage handling system to reduce irregularities to zero. We promise to our customers that they will be well taken care of when they fly Ethiopian.

Q11.    Where do we see Ethiopian Airlines in the next five years?
Ethiopian will be among the best global carriers with the completion of our mega airport to be constructed at the outskirts of Addis Ababa.