Flying across continents often exposes an airline’s true DNA, how it handles long-haul fatigue, logistics, culture, and service. I’ve flown with nearly every major African carrier and dozens of international competitors. Ethiopian Airlines stands out, not just in Africa, but globally. It’s a case study in transformation, and this review answers a direct question I hear frequently: Is Ethiopian Airlines truly Africa’s top airline?
From fleet age to service execution, and route network to passenger experience, here’s my detailed breakdown based on multiple flights, verifiable data, and a seasoned flyer’s expectations.
What Sets Ethiopian Airlines Apart in African Aviation?
Ethiopian Airlines is Africa’s largest airline by fleet size, route network, and passenger volume. But size isn’t what makes it unique, consistency and global alignment do.
Airline Overview (2025 Data)
- Hub: Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
- Fleet Size: Over 150 aircraft
- Destinations: 130+ across 5 continents
- Alliance: Member of Star Alliance since 2011
- Ownership: 100% government-owned but independently managed
The airline operates more international long-haul routes than any other African carrier and maintains strategic codeshares with United, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and Asiana.
How Comfortable Are Ethiopian Airlines Cabins?
The comfort level depends heavily on aircraft type and route. Ethiopian operates a mixed fleet, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A350, Boeing 777, and older 737-800s for regional travel.
Economy Class
- Pitch: 31–32 inches
- Seat width: 17.5–18 inches
- IFE: Personal screens on wide-body aircraft, overhead monitors on older 737s
- Comfort level: Comparable to Qatar Airways on newer aircraft; less so on older equipment
I found the A350 and 787 Economy cabins to be quiet, with soft lighting and better humidity. However, older 737s used on intra-African routes can feel dated.
Business Class (Cloud Nine)
- Seat types:
- Fully flat on A350, 787
- Angled flat on older 777s
- Seat pitch: 78–80 inches
- Service: Two hot meals, champagne, noise-canceling headphones, amenity kit
- Privacy: Moderate; no door suites yet
My Cloud Nine experience from Addis to Toronto included lie-flat beds, a full-course meal service, and attentive crew. For an African carrier, it’s genuinely competitive with European and Middle Eastern airlines.
How Reliable Is Ethiopian Airlines Operationally?
This is where Ethiopian Airlines earns top marks.
Performance Metrics (2024)
- On-time performance: 82.3% (OAG annual report)
- Flight completion rate: 99.1%
- Fleet age: Average of 7.3 years (younger than Lufthansa or British Airways)
- Safety: IOSA-certified, IATA member, FAA Category 1 compliant
The airline’s MRO facility in Addis Ababa is among Africa’s most advanced, servicing not just its own aircraft but third-party clients including ASKY and RwandAir.
What’s the In-Flight Experience Like?
Meals
- Economy:
- Hot meal with two entrée options
- Local influences: injera, lentil stew, spicy chicken
- Alcohol: Complimentary wine and beer on international routes
- Business Class:
- Three-course meal
- Champagne, wine list curated from French and South African vineyards
- Regional options + Western menu
IFE (In-Flight Entertainment)
- Seatback screens on wide-bodies
- Around 80 movies and 100+ music albums
- Interface is functional, though less polished than Emirates or Qatar
Cabin Crew
- Multilingual (English, Amharic, French, Arabic on international routes)
- Friendly but not overly formal
- Efficiency prioritized over flair
The cabin crew I encountered were polite, helpful, and professional, even on busy routes like Addis–London or Johannesburg–Addis.
How Does Ethiopian Airlines Compare to Other African and Global Carriers?
Ethiopian doesn’t market luxury, it markets reliability, value, and global reach.
African Carrier Comparison
| Carrier | Fleet Size | Intl. Routes | Alliance | Average Fleet Age |
| Ethiopian Airlines | 150+ | 80+ | Star Alliance | 7.3 years |
| EgyptAir | 70+ | 60+ | Star Alliance | 9.5 years |
| Kenya Airways | 35+ | 45+ | SkyTeam | 9.2 years |
| RwandAir | 15+ | $26 | Non-allied | 7.8 years |
Among global carriers, Ethiopian isn’t competing with Emirates in luxury but punches above its weight in reliability, coverage, and cost-performance ratio.
What Is the Ground Experience Like at Addis Ababa Bole Airport?
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is undergoing modernization but still lags behind major global hubs in terms of layout, lounge quality, and passenger flow.
Check-in and Transfers
- Efficient check-in and boarding at most hours
- Transfer desk staff speak English and are generally helpful
- Long transfer times for checked baggage during peak hours
Lounge Access
- Cloud Nine Lounge:
- Access for Business Class and Star Alliance Gold
- Food: Buffet (local and international)
- Facilities: Showers, workstations, local coffee
- Crowded during overnight bank of departures
While the lounge offers enough to unwind, it’s not on par with Emirates or Qatar lounges in Doha or Dubai.
What’s the Experience Like for Long-Haul Flights?
Ethiopian excels on long-haul services like:
- Addis Ababa – Toronto
- Addis Ababa – Washington D.C.
- Addis Ababa – Guangzhou
- Addis Ababa – London Heathrow
Strengths:
- Competitive fares
- Strong fleet (mostly 787 or A350)
- Full meal service
- Friendly crew
- Comfortable seating in both classes
Weaknesses:
- Transit airport limitations
- Occasional last-minute aircraft swaps
- Limited IFE options compared to Asian or Gulf carriers
On my JFK–ADD–CPT itinerary, both legs departed on time. Cloud Nine provided fully flat beds and good food, although the transit at ADD felt crowded and under-resourced.
How Does ShebaMiles Loyalty Program Perform?
ShebaMiles is Ethiopian Airlines’ frequent flyer program, and it’s part of Star Alliance.
ShebaMiles Tiers
| Tier | Requirements | Benefits |
| Blue | Free entry | Earn miles, access to promotions |
| Silver | 25,000 miles or 20 segments | Priority check-in, 10kg extra bag |
| Gold | 50,000 miles | Lounge access, upgrades, Star Gold |
| Platinum | 75,000 miles | Upgrade vouchers, 100% bonus miles |
Redemption Options
- Star Alliance award bookings
- Good rates on intra-Africa flights
- Limited online functionality, some redemptions require manual processing
For frequent African flyers, ShebaMiles offers solid utility, especially with partners like Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines.
Is Ethiopian Airlines Family and Budget Friendly?
Yes. Ethiopian Airlines strikes a balance between affordability and full-service delivery.
Pros for Families:
- Free seat selection on most tickets
- Infant bassinet available on long-haul flights
- Complimentary meal service for kids
- Competitive baggage allowance:
- Economy: 2×23 kg
- Business: 2×32 kg
Budget Considerations:
- One of the lowest-cost carriers for routes like Africa–Asia and Africa–Europe
- Strong value on multi-city tickets (e.g., Nairobi–Addis–Bangkok)
Is Ethiopian Airlines Africa’s Top Airline?
Yes. Ethiopian Airlines offers a rare mix of operational reliability, modern fleet, global connectivity, and affordability that places it at the top of African aviation.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
| Extensive global route network | Inconsistent ground experience |
| Young fleet with new aircraft | Transit airport crowding |
| Reliable and on-time performance | Mixed IFE quality across aircraft |
| Competitive pricing and loyalty | Lounge quality varies by route |
It’s not a luxury airline, but it is a well-run, strategically global, and proudly African carrier that delivers excellent value on most routes.
If you’re flying to or through Africa and value substance over flash, Ethiopian Airlines remains the benchmark.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ethiopian Airlines
Is Ethiopian Airlines safe?
Yes. Ethiopian is IOSA-certified, FAA Category 1-compliant, and has an excellent modern fleet.
Do they offer lie-flat seats in Business Class?
Yes, on A350 and 787 aircraft. Older 777s may still have angled-flat.
Is Wi-Fi available onboard?
Limited. Some A350s and 787s offer Wi-Fi, but availability is inconsistent.
Can I transit in Addis Ababa with a short connection?
Yes, but I recommend a 1.5-hour minimum connection due to potential congestion.
Is alcohol served onboard?
Yes. Beer, wine, and spirits are complimentary in all classes on international flights.