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Ethiopian Airlines leads globally in fifth-freedom flight operations

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Ethiopian Airlines leads globally in fifth-freedom flight operations
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Fifth-freedom flights are gaining popularity among savvy travelers who appreciate their benefits, such as competitive pricing and enhanced service on larger aircraft. Currently, there are approximately 220 fifth-freedom flights operated by 68 airlines worldwide. Among these, Ethiopian Airlines stands out as the leader, operating over 10% of all such flights.

The concept of fifth-freedom flights is rooted in the Chicago Convention of 1944, which facilitates international air travel by allowing airlines to carry passengers between two foreign countries. For example, Emirates operates a well-known fifth-freedom route from New York to Milan despite not being domiciled in either country.

Ethiopian Airlines leads with 22 fifth-freedom routes, surpassing Emirates and other carriers like Kenya Airways and British Airways. This achievement highlights its strategic focus on underserved regions, particularly in Africa. Notable African routes include Harare-Lusaka and Bamako-Dakar, where Ethiopian competes with several international carriers.

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In addition to its African operations, Ethiopian Airlines has expanded its transatlantic network using Dreamliner aircraft. It connects West Africa to the United States with routes such as Lome-Newark and Abidjan-New York. The airline also serves São Paulo-Buenos Aires in South America.

In Asia, Ethiopian Airlines faces stiff competition on three major routes: Singapore-Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok-Hong Kong, and Seoul-Tokyo. Despite this challenge, it attracts passengers with widebody service at competitive prices.

European operations include routes like Stockholm-Oslo and Geneva-Manchester. These services cater to specific market needs by linking cities that might otherwise lack direct connections.

Overall, Ethiopian Airlines' extensive network of fifth-freedom flights reflects its strategy to enhance connectivity across various continents while competing against both regional and global players.

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