Historic Beauty, Brimming With Adventure: Explore Africa Through Ethiopian Airlines

Manila – Ethiopia Flights launched by Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines is launching the first direct flight from the Philippines to the untapped African market this July, which means there will be more opportunities for business, travel and culture linkages between the two developing nations. Offered thrice a week, this direct flight plan makes it easy for Filipino travelers to step into Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, the bastion of the Orthodox Christian religion, and a country which is considered home to some of the earliest parts of civilization.

Wedding Dress of an African Afar Tribe

A landlocked country in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia is also recognized for its world heritage sites and vibrant festivals, art and cultural traditions. It is Africa’s oldest independent country and its second largest in terms of population. Ethiopia is home to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church—one of the oldest Christian churches in the world.

Of Old Civilizations and Stunning Destinations

Ethiopia, the land of the fabled Queen of Sheba, has surprises waiting to be discovered. A testament to the nation’s ancient ties, Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, is the home to some of the most astounding cathedrals and mosques far older than many in Europe. These beautiful structures can transport you through a colorful journey to the past as you behold architectural beauty at its finest. Ethiopia brings ancient mystery to the fore with its real-world version of Camelot, the castle complex of Gondar. The ruins, relics, and artifacts of Axum are simply a sight to behold.

Arbore Tribe of Ethiopia

Apart from its incredible architecture, not many know that Ethiopian cuisine is a discovery on its own. Whereas Europe has potatoes and bread, and Asia has its rice, Ethiopia’s staple is injera, a flatbread similar to sourdough, which is served like an edible plate and piled high with flavorful, healthy stews that will tickle your tastebuds.

There are also many opportunities to safely interact with the wildlife, such as in Harar, where people can feed hyenas. Ethiopia is also home to Lake Tana in Bahar Dar, which feeds the Nile River, and its majestic Simien Mountains are so awe-inspiring that they are popularly known as “God’s playground”. Addis Ababa is also where the remains of Lucy, the oldest humanoid in the world, can be found. Whether it’s the indigenous tribes of Omo Valley or the eleven rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, every corner of Ethiopia is an exciting venture into the depths of Africa that have yet to be discovered by the average traveler.

The Land of Awakenings, A Gateway To The World

Ethiopia – The origin of Coffee

Tewolde Gebremariam, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines said: “We are very happy to start this historic flight to the capital of the Philippines. Manila will be our strategic point of access to the Southeast Asian neighboring countries by availing excellent connectivity options. Our flights to Manila will also greatly contribute to the strengthening of trade, investment and tourism ties between the booming African continent and the highly developed, innovative and business-friendly states of Asia.”

Ethiopian not only bridges the gap between Africa and the Philippines—it also makes Ethiopia a gateway for other sites of global travel. Ethiopian Airlines brings South America closer as a possible destination with less flight time by eliminating the need to go through stopovers in the United States. Ethiopia also serves as a hub for alternate routes for reaching Europe and other countries.

Sunset in Semien National Park – Ethiopia

With the start of Ethiopian flights in Manila, passengers from Asia—particularly Brunei and Taiwan—will be able to enjoy smooth and seamless transportation connections between all the major cities in Africa such as its capital Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Lagos, Accra, Luanda and Johannesburg, with fewer layovers. Ethiopian Airlines operates the youngest fleet in the continent with an average of less than seven years’ operation time, but it currently serves 85 international destinations across five continents and has over 200 daily departures.

Direct Flight Plans Create Safe and Convenient Travel Opportunities

The new flights to Manila will be operated with Ethiopian Boeing 767-300 aircraft with 24 seats in Cloud Nine and 211 seats in Economy class, bringing the total number of international destinations to 88.

This direct flight plan coincides with the emergence of a call for the world to recognize the Africa that we do not see—one that has a rapidly developing economy, a great deal of natural beauty and infrastructure that will accommodate the desires and comforts of discerning travelers. From the vast savannahs to the exciting safari trips, the intense hues of its textiles and unusual cuisine, there is something in every corner of the continent.

Ethiopian Airlines will open your eyes to an unseen world and present the unique adventures Africa has to offer. Journeying to Ethiopia will bring the magic of exploration and history to any tourist’s travel choices—it’s the kind of trip that awakens travelers and immerses them in the glory of humanity’s origins.