Ethiopian Airlines is pleased to announce that it has been recognized for its commitment to service excellence after winning two awards from African Travel Quarterly(ATQ) magazine on Monday, October 22, 2012 at an event held in Lagos, Nigeria.

Ethiopian was given the “African Airline of the Year” and Captain Desta Zeru, Vice-President of Flight Operations, “Africa Legend of Travel” awards on Monday, October 22, 2012.

Ethiopian was given the awards during the 8^th Akwaaba: African Travel Market Exhibition held from October 22 to 24 and organized by ATQ, the first international travel magazine in West Africa.

African Travel Market exhibition is an annual event organized by ATQ magazine which specializes on the aviation, travel and tourism sectors in Africa. It is the only international travel exhibition in West Africa recognized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Ethiopian received the award for its excellent service and pioneering spirit in the aviation industry in Africa with the introduction of the first 787 Dreamliner in Africa.

“Ethiopian Airlines, in the last one year, has made Africa proud and smaller. As Africa emerges as a united group of nations, Ethiopian has been driving this integration by opening new routes and linking neighbors. The B787 is the icing on the African Aviation pie. With its successful partnership with ASKY, Ethiopian is the leader on the West African Air transport market in a beneficial manner making the award inevitable,” said organizers at the event, recognizing the effort of Ethiopian with the award.

Captain Desta was also recognized for being the first African captain to fly the Dreamliner. Captain Desta flew the Dreamliner on its debut flight to Africa from China to Addis Ababa when the aircraft landed at Bole Addis Ababa International Airport during its world tour.

“The awards are strong testament of Ethiopian continuous leadership in aviation technology in Africa and bringing the continent together and closer to the rest of the world with excellent service. All of us at Ethiopian are greatly encouraged by these recognitions and they motivate us to work even harder to provide better service to our esteemed customers,” said Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian.