Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline, is entering a new era of intercontinental cooperation with a major Chinese carrier.
The new agreement with China Southern Airlines allows Ethiopian Airlines to operate flights under the “CZ” code. In return, the Chinese airline will be permitted to operate flights under the “ET” code. Naturally, these flights are scheduled and operated subject to government approvals.
A new route connecting China and Ethiopia
The new codeshare agreement announced by the two carriers coincides with the launch of a new route by China Southern Airlines, connecting Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, with a stopover at Changsha Huanghua International Airport in China.
Marking this special occasion, Zeng Yongchao, Executive Vice President of China Southern Air Holding Company, stated: “Our new route to Ethiopia and our new agreement with Ethiopian Airlines will offer passengers from both carriers connections to attractive destinations across their respective networks, which encompass hundreds of locations around the globe.”
According to a statement from the Chinese airline, this new route operates twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, with the following schedule:
– Flight CZ8095, from Guangzhou to Changsha: Departs at 8:30, arrives at 9:50. From Changsha to Addis Ababa: Departs at 13:50, arrives at 20:00.
– Flight CZ8096, from Addis Ababa to Changsha: Departs at 23:00, arrives at 14:20. From Changsha to Guangzhou: Departure at 16:20, arrival at 17:50.