Ethiopian aviation industry to meet the international aviation standards in 2014

Interview with Colonel Wosenyelh Hunegnaw, Director General of Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority

Ethiopia is developing and its growth percentage is a two-digit number, including the growth of the aviation industry. Ethiopian Airlines is a big airline, in fact it is one of the biggest airlines in Africa and I think it is a profitable and growing airline. For such a type of growing airline it is mandatory to have a good regulator. In that regard the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority has to grow equally with the aviation industry. Our government has given the proper attention in all aspects in that regard, including in allocating the budget and so the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority is also growing. In 2014 Ethiopian Airlines will grow using its 2025 vision and thus the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority should also grow on par with that in order to regulate the growing airline industry. In 2014 we hope that we shall meet the world standards. The Aviation industry has a worldwide standard, which is set by ICAO the International Civil Aviation Organization and we wish to work to meet those standards. In 2014 we will have one of the strongest regulatory bodies in Africa. That is our plan and vision for the future.

What is the role of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority?

The role of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority is no different from the role of other civil aviation authorities worldwide: it is a regulatory body under the government. Our role is to regulate the airlines, the aerodromes and also the air navigation services. We mainly regulate the aviation industry as a whole and offer an air navigation service.

Can you tell us about the history of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority and what has been accomplished since its conception?

The Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority has a history of over 50 years. It is one of the oldest civil aviation authorities in Africa. Since we began we have grown alongside the aviation industry here in Ethiopia. We now have the capacity and the capability to regulate Ethiopian Airlines which as I mentioned is a very big airline. We have tried to cope with and meet the world standards.

Are there any other foreign airlines that operate in Ethiopia at the moment?

Yes of course. There are about 14 foreign airlines operating in Ethiopia. I think that for many years we have had foreign operators here in Ethiopia.

Do you use any marketing tools at all as far as civil aviation is concerned?

No. As a regulatory body we don’t have any marketing tools. The air navigation services that we offer on behalf of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority and our air navigation department don’t use marketing tools as such.

What are some of the challenges that are facing the industry at the moment?

Well especially in civil aviation I would say that the problems that we face are very similar to what the regulatory bodies face in other countries. The main challenge is that the growth of the industry and the airlines is happening very quickly and we have to keep up with it. A big challenge is retaining the qualified inspectors and personnel, and I think this is the case in many sectors not just aviation. People who are qualified do not want to stay with just one organization forever, they want to move about and sometimes they move abroad. We are always working to face and solve these challenges.

Is the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority also responsible for the training and the licensing of air controllers?

Yes, of course. We do have a training center where we give training for our own operators and air traffic controllers. We recruit people and those who complete the diploma program at university can join the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority and complete their training to become an air traffic controller. We also give training for the technicians who supply the communication tools for the air navigation services.

What are the challenges for the aviation industry around the world, particularly in terms of the rising cost of energy? Is there any hedging as far as prices of fuel is concerned here in Ethiopia?

This isn’t really a challenge for the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority but it will be a challenge for the operators. Of course the increasing price of oil is a challenge for them, not only here in Ethiopia but worldwide. It will be difficult for all airlines to make a profit after taking into account the increasing price of fuel. 

Can you give us your vision for the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority going forward?

Our vision is to give a standardized service in air navigation. We want to give the public a safe, reliable and sustainable air transport service.

What are some of the main operators who operate flights to and from Addis Ababa?

Fly Emirates, FlyDubai, KLM, Turkish Airlines and Yemenia are just some of the airlines that operate here.

Are any new operators coming into the market here?

Of course. There are a lot of carriers who want to operate in Ethiopia but to operate there has to be a bilateral agreement. I think that Qatar airlines are going to begin operating here soon and we have now reached about 90 bilateral agreements worldwide of which 14 have begun to operate here already. I think that in the near future there will be many more operators working here in Ethiopia.

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