Published on February 15, 2026
Australia is poised to enter a new era in aviation as Ethiopian Airlines unveils its ambitious plan to launch non-stop flights to Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne by 2028. This bold move marks a significant milestone for the airline, ending years of speculation about its potential expansion into the Australian market. With the arrival of new long-range aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787-9, Ethiopian Airlines is set to bridge the gap between Africa and Australia, offering direct connections that will not only enhance travel convenience but also boost economic and tourism ties between the two continents. The move is a testament to the airline’s commitment to expanding its global footprint and providing world-class services on long-haul routes.
Ethiopian Airlines Set to Launch Non-Stop Flights to Australia in 2028, Ending Years of Speculation and Expanding Global Reach

Ethiopian Airlines has announced plans to commence non-stop flights to Australia by 2028, ending years of speculation about the carrier’s entry into the Australian market. The move will be a significant milestone for the airline, marking its expansion into a new continent. However, while the airline has set a tentative timeline, several details remain to be finalised, including the specific cities it will serve and the aircraft it will deploy for these long-haul flights.
In a press briefing held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew revealed that the airline was aiming to launch services to Australia in 2028, likely with a mix of leased or newly purchased aircraft. “We will most likely start flying to Australia in 2028, either by renting or purchasing, as a larger batch of aircraft will arrive after that year,” Tasew stated. The airline’s cautious optimism is rooted in the availability of the right aircraft capable of handling the long journey from Ethiopia to Australia. Specifically, Ethiopian Airlines plans to utilise its fleet of Airbus A350s or Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for the new route. Both aircraft are equipped to cover the vast distances involved, particularly to cities like Perth, Sydney, or Melbourne, which are most likely to be the destinations for these non-stop flights.

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Ethiopian Airlines Expands Fleet to Support Australian Launch
Ethiopian Airlines, which already operates a large and diverse fleet, is bolstering its capacity with an influx of new aircraft. The airline currently serves more than 145 destinations worldwide, spanning Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. The addition of nine Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and six Airbus A350-900s will further enhance the airline’s ability to cater to the long-haul routes. These aircraft are capable of flying non-stop from Addis Ababa to major Australian cities, making Ethiopian Airlines one of the few carriers with direct access to both Africa and Australia.

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The airline’s continued investment in its fleet reflects its commitment to expanding its international presence and meeting growing demand for air travel across its network. The arrival of these new aircraft, expected post-2028, will coincide with the airline’s plan to introduce non-stop services to Australia, positioning Ethiopian Airlines as a key player in the African-Australian travel market.
Innovation in Premium Travel: New Business Class Suites
As part of its strategy to enhance the customer experience, Ethiopian Airlines will also upgrade its business class offering on its newer Airbus and Boeing aircraft. The airline has confirmed that the upcoming Airbus A350s will feature Collins Aerospace Elevation seats, which are designed for optimal comfort and privacy. These seats have already been seen on Malaysia Airlines’ A330neo jets and are known for their innovative design and functionality.
On the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, Ethiopian Airlines will introduce Elevate Aircraft Seating’s Ascent model in business class. This new business class suite will provide passengers with an elevated level of comfort, featuring fully lie-flat seats, increased privacy, and modern amenities. The airline’s investment in premium cabins signals its intention to cater to the growing demand for luxury travel on long-haul routes, especially on non-stop flights to Australia.
Global Connectivity and Star Alliance Benefits
As a member of the prestigious Star Alliance network, Ethiopian Airlines is able to offer its passengers enhanced connectivity to a vast number of destinations across the globe. The alliance’s extensive reach will complement Ethiopian Airlines’ new Australian services, allowing passengers to easily connect to cities across Africa, Europe, and Asia. The airline’s growing network positions it as a strong contender in the international travel market, further solidifying its status as Africa’s largest airline.
The planned non-stop flights to Australia also align with Ethiopian Airlines’ broader strategic goal of expanding its global footprint. The airline’s ongoing investment in both its fleet and service offerings underscores its commitment to providing world-class travel experiences for its passengers, regardless of their destination.
Ethiopian Airlines’ Growing Global Presence
Ethiopian Airlines’ foray into the Australian market will further elevate its reputation as a major international carrier. In addition to Australia, the airline’s ambitious expansion plans include increasing its footprint in other emerging markets. With its modern fleet, high-quality service, and strategic partnerships, Ethiopian Airlines continues to lead the way in Africa’s aviation sector.
Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to growth is not just about adding new routes but also enhancing the overall passenger experience. The carrier’s focus on modernizing its fleet with state-of-the-art aircraft and upgrading its business class offerings ensures that it can compete with other global airlines on long-haul routes. As the airline sets its sights on Australia, travelers can expect a premium, direct connection between Ethiopia and one of the most dynamic regions of the world.
Australia is set for a new era in aviation as Ethiopian Airlines announces non-stop flights to Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne by 2028. This expansion will enhance travel convenience and strengthen ties between Africa and Australia.
The Future of Air Travel Between Africa and Australia
As Ethiopian Airlines gears up to launch non-stop flights to Australia, it is clear that the future of air travel between Africa and Australia is set for significant transformation. The introduction of these flights will not only offer greater convenience for travelers but also promote stronger economic and tourism ties between the two continents. The expected growth in tourism and business travel between Africa and Australia will further enhance Ethiopian Airlines’ role in bridging the two regions.
Ethiopian Airlines’ entry into the Australian market is expected to provide a major boost to the airline’s international standing. It will also provide travelers with more options for flying between Africa and Australia, all while ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey. With a larger batch of new aircraft on the horizon and a commitment to enhancing its service, Ethiopian Airlines is well-positioned to take on this exciting new challenge.

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Tags: Airline News, Australia flights, Aviation industry, ethiopian airlines, Travel News

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