Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier and one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation brands, proudly announced the graduation of 974 aviation trainees from its prestigious Ethiopian Aviation University on May 3, 2025. The vibrant ceremony, held at the university’s campus, was attended by ambassadors, representatives from various countries, airline executives, graduates’ families, and distinguished guests.
The graduates, representing diverse African nationalities as well as Chinese nationals, specialized in several fields including Aircraft Maintenance (184), Pilot Training (43), Cabin Crew (448), Commercial Operations (255), and Hotel Operations (44). Notable nationalities among the graduates include 38 Chinese, 34 Congolese, 19 Mozambican, 8 Cameroonian, 2 Gabonese, 1 Zambian, 1 South Sudanese, 1 Ugandan, and 1 Sierra Leonean.
Of the 974 graduates, 614 were female, and 360 were male, showcasing Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to fostering gender balance in the aviation industry. This milestone marks another significant achievement in the airline’s role as a pioneer in shaping the future of African aviation.
Ethiopian Airlines’ longstanding relationship with China was also highlighted, as the airline was the first African carrier to establish direct flights to China in 1973. This collaboration has grown over the years, fostering strong educational ties through the training of aviation professionals from both Africa and China.
Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, expressed immense pride in the graduates’ accomplishments: “We are immensely proud to see our students graduate today, having successfully completed their training and demonstrated remarkable academic achievements. I am confident that you will carry this success into your future careers, leveraging the diverse resources you have gained from this esteemed university.”
The Ethiopian Aviation University continues to be a leading institution in aviation training, having graduated over 20,000 professionals from Ethiopia, across Africa, and internationally. With nearly 70 years of establishment, the university now offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including BSc in Aeronautical Engineering, BSc in Aviation Management, MBA in Aviation Management, and more.
As part of its commitment to expanding aviation education, Ethiopian Aviation University is rapidly growing, with new campuses in Addis Ababa, Hawassa, and Dire Dawa, and a capacity to enroll 4,000 students annually. Under its “Vision 2035,” the university plans to increase this capacity to accommodate around 7,000 students in the near future.
Ethiopian Aviation University’s continued success reflects the airline’s dedication to shaping the
