Ethiopia is aggressively expanding its domestic airfield network for light aviation to strengthen tourism. The Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority is focused on the creation of airfields for small aircraft in different regions of the country with the aim to make air transport more accessible as reported by Fana Media Corporation (FMC), a leading Ethiopian media organization formed through the merger of the former Fana Broadcasting Corporate S.C. and Walt Media.
Regional governments, municipal administrations, as well as investors and private companies participate in the implementation of the projects. The Civil Aviation Authority provides them with support, from site selection to technical support.
To date, 46 applications have been received from investors and companies for these projects. Seven of them are already under construction and two airfields have been built and have started operating. Other projects are finalizing preparatory procedures.
According to the Director of Ethiopia’s Awrodrome Safety and Standards Department, Mesrak Talhun, this network expansion should improve tourism accessibility, attract investment and reveal the potential of the regions.
Since 2015 according to the Ethiopian calendar (2022 - 2023 according to the Gregorian calendar), rules have been in force in the country allowing private investors to participate in the creation oif airfields for light aviation. The work is being carried out in parallel with the construction of larger airports in several regions.
The African country is investing in light aviation, including amphibious De Havilland Canada Twin Otter aircraft to boost tourism and connect remote scenic areas like lakeside resorts and national parks. This complements the massive construction of the $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport designed to be Africa’s largest hub.
Key Aspects of the Light Aviation and Tourism Expansion in Ethiopia:
• Targeted Tourism Growth: The strategy goes beyond, with a focus on improving tourist access to previously hard – to reach locations.
• Infrastructure Development: The initiative aims to reduce reliance on slow, often unreliable road transport to support the tourism sector.
• Strategic Hub: The new, major Bishoftu International Airport (BIA) will serve as a primary connection point for these smaller, localized, domestic tourism flights, aiming to handle 110 million passengers annually upon completion.
• Amphibious Fleet: Ethiopian Airlines ordered De Havilland Canada Twin Otter Classic 300 – G aircraft that can land on water and short runways.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to solidify Ethiopia as Africa’s leading aviation hub while driving economic growth through tourism.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks a lot to read and note.