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BY NDUMBE BELL GASTON IN DOUALA
The Ethiopian Airlines and Air Namibia signed a codeshare agreement last March1 which now permits the Ethiopian thrice weekly services to Windhoek and the services of both airlines beyond their respective hubs.
The agreement is expected to allow both airlines to expand their global networks through the services of each airline and also facilitate the provision of competitive and convenient travel choices to their respective customers.
Mr. Girma Shiferan, Acting Vice President, Strategic Planning and Alliance expressed his happiness on the deal <We are glad to partner with Air Namibia. It is my sincere belief that such strategic collaboration among African airlines is one of the necessities to see African aviation thrive and grow faster in line with the economic development of the continent. Now customers of Air Namibia will enjoy endless connection on Ethiopian ever expanding global networks across five continents, with a minimum lay over in Addis Ababa. Conversely, our passengers will be able to access destination beyond Windhoek on Air Namibia.>
Acting Managing Director Advocate Ellaine Priscillia Samson said that they are very pleased with the signing of the codeshare agreement with Ethiopian Airlines <an airline which achieved amazing accomplishments in the global arena. This will be an opportunity for the liberalisation of intra-Africa air transport in furtherance of the Yamousoukro Decision as two African carriers. In addition this will assist Air Namibia to expand its network via the global reach and stature of Ethiopian Airlines. Hence the teaming of our two airlines is the consummate endeavour of our continent moving towards fuller liberalisation in the aviation sector.
The codeshare agreement will allow Ethiopian and Air Namibia to place their codes on each others flights. Ethiopian airlines operates the youngest fleet in the continent with an average age of less than five years and currently serves more than 90 destinations and over 240 daily departures across five continents.