Ethiopian Airlines and the South Sudanese government have included plans to establish a national carrier for South Sudan, moving forward with a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This new collaboration will boost South Sudan’s air connectivity, economic integration and job creation helping South Sudan move forward in its post-conflict development. Additionally, the official agreement took place on November 7, 2024, with Ethiopian Ambassador Nabil Mahdi and South Sudan’s Transport Minister Madut Biar. This partnership gives Ethiopian Airlines a management deal to establish and operate the Vision 2025 plan towards long-sought flights.
More particularly, Ethiopian Airlines which is located at Addis Ababa International Airport will provide South Sudan with crucial technical support, training and operational management. In addition, to setting up the new carrier, Ethiopian Airlines will manage South Sudan’s airspace which is currently shifting from Sudanese control. This effort is part of Ethiopian airline’s ongoing regional expansion and a step toward enhancing the aviation industry in Central and East Africa.
South Sudan’s air connectivity
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced obstacles in creating a national carrier due to political instability and civil conflict. Although the country has seen various startup airlines such as South Supreme Airlines, efforts to establish a reliable national carrier remained delayed. In addition, early attempts included a partnership with Turkey’s Atlasjet Airlines in 2012. However, the Turkish airline withdrew from the project in 2013. In 2014, Ethiopian Airlines showed initial interest, suggesting a joint venture in which they would hold a 49% stake. Juba would own the remaining 51%. Moreover, in 2019, South Sudan allocated SSP100 million to fund feasibility studies for South Sudan Airways.
Vision 2025 plan
The collaboration with South Sudan aligns with Ethiopian Airlines’ Vision 2025, a 15-year plan focused on establishing multiple hubs across Africa. Ethiopian Airlines has successfully created joint ventures in Togo with ASKY Airlines, Air Congo, Zambia Airways, and Air Malawi. Consequently, with these partnerships, Ethiopian Airlines enhances connectivity in South Sudan and improves its role as a major airline in the African aviation market.
With Ethiopian Airlines guiding South Sudan’s ambitions, could this be the catalyst for regional connectivity and financial growth in this region? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
