Ethiopian Airlines' new cargo terminal to be operational in April 2017
Ethiopian Airlines' ambitious new cargo facility, which is now 82 per cent complete, is expected to be operational by April 2017, the airline has revealed in a press release evaluating its 2016 performance. The new facility will have an annual storage (for both dry and perishable goods) of 1.2 million tonnes and a capacity to handle eight B747-800 freighters at a time.
Construction of the first phase will cost approximately $150 million. The terminal's uplifting capability will be equivalent to the cargo terminals at Amsterdam Schiphol, Singapore Changi or Hong Kong upon the project's completion, claimed the airlines.
Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) is one of Africa's leading carriers, with a fleet including ultra-modern aircraft such as Airbus A350 and Boeing 787. Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2025 that aims to make the airlines the leading aviation group in Africa.
The Addis Ababa facility is part of Ethiopian Cargo's Vision 2025, aimed to promote the country's export of perishables including flowers, fruits, vegetables and meat.