Ethiopian launches its Maiden Flight to Toronto

Toronto, Canada July 18/2012Ethiopian historic maiden flight to Toronto touched down at Pearson International Airport on Tuesday. Toronto has now become, with Washington D.C., the second destination served by Ethiopian in North America.

This first direct flight between Toronto and Africa was received with a colorful celebration held at Pearson International Airport in the presence Transport Minister Deriba Kuma Canadian Ambassador to Ethiopia Michèle Lévesque.

Also President and Chief Executive Officer of Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Howard Eng, Mayor of Mississauga, Hazel McCallion and members of the Ethiopian community in Canada were at the occasion.

With the commencement of the flight, which is the only direct connection between Toronto and Africa, Toronto will only be 12 hours direct flight away from Africa, thanks to Ethiopian B777-200 LR, the world’s longest range commercial aircraft, unique capabilities.

On the occasion, Ethiopian CEO Tewolde Gebremariam said “From now on, passengers between Canada and Africa, whether they travel for business or leisure, will be relieved from the hassles of additional requirements of transit visa, security inspection, change of aircraft and long transit waiting time and enjoy our direct flights.”

Passengers traveling from major Canadian and US cities are now able to use fellow Star Alliance member carriers in North America such as Air Canada, United Airlines and US Airways, and find convenient connections, via Toronto, to 43 African cities served by Ethiopian through its Addis Ababa hub, while earning their miles on the flights.

“The introduction of this new service is incredibly important to Toronto. Regularly scheduled non-stop service from Toronto to the African continent marks a major milestone,” said Howard Eng, President and CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority.

“This service will help boost trade ties between Canada and Ethiopia