SOMALILANDERS:- Ethiopian Airlines (ET, Addis Ababa) has initiated talks with the government of Djibouti, Ethiopia's key conduit to the Red Sea, over a possible partnership with Air Djibouti (2F, Djibouti).

 

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tewolde Gebremariam told The Reporter that talks have focussed on developing a joint-venture between the sides with the Port of Djibouti, a major freight hub for the Horn of Africa, also of interest.

"China for the first time has established a military base in neighboring Djibouti. The major political powers have big military vessels in Djibouti. The country is expanding its seaport and airport. So it can serve as the Dubai of Africa if we do the right thing together,” he said.

Since its inception, Air Djibouti has attempted to develop both its passenger and cargo operations albeit using chartered aircraft. At present, it employs a single BAe 146-300 sourced from South Africa's Fair Aviation (2F, Lanseria).