Ethiopian Airlines Enterprise in talks about founding regional divisions in Zambia and Chad and aims to buy part of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national operator in a push to consolidate its lead as Africa’s biggest carrier. Chief Executive Officer Tewolde GebreMariam said in an interview that an outline plan for a joint-venture airline in Zambia should be signed with the government and private-equity investors in a few weeks, leading to a final agreement by November. That will give Ethiopian a new hub in Lusaka serving southern Africa alongside Malawian Airlines, in which it has a stake. Mr. Tewolde said parallel discussions are underway in Chad for the establishment of a new national carrier there. He said he was also unaware of interest in Arik from any other bidders.

Source: Ethiopian News September 17, 2017 11:44 UTC