Hong Kong International Airport welcomes Ethiopian Airlines

(HONG KONG, 2 January 2002) - Hong Kong gained an important air link to Africa today, with the arrival of the inaugural flight of Ethiopian Airlines to Hong Kong International Airport.

The service to the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, is the second route linking Hong Kong with Africa. South African Airways and Cathay Pacific operate a joint service to Johannesburg in South Africa.

Ethiopian Airlines flies to a number of destinations worldwide, including 28 cities in Africa. The airline will operate two services a week between Hong Kong and Addis Ababa, on Wednesday and Friday.

Ethiopian Airlines Area Manager for Hong Kong and Macau, Mr Amare Tekle Tsadik, said the new flights will boost the trade and tourism between Hong Kong and Africa, with Addis Ababa serving as a gateway city to East and West Africa. "With our extensive network coverage in Africa, we are able to offer a same day connection to many destinations, " Mr Amare said.

AA Commercial Director Mr Hans Bakker said the Ethiopian Airlines service would make Hong Kong International Airport an Asian hub for leisure and business travellers enroute to Africa.

"We are dedicated to offering more destinations for passengers at HKIA," Mr Bakker said. "The latest addition to Addis Ababa offers many new African destinations to travellers going via HKIA,"

Ref. PR-603