By Muluken Yewondwossen
In a move set to reshape the landscape of international logistics, major firms are reportedly turning their attention to the newly established e-commerce handling center at Ethiopian Airlines. The unveiling of the cutting-edge facility at Bole International Airport has sparked interest among industry players, heralding a new era of efficiency and connectivity in global commerce.
The state-of-the-art e-commerce logistics facility, situated within the Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics grounds, was inaugurated a week ago by Ethiopian Airlines Group. According to Ethiopian Airlines, the facility is poised to streamline logistics operations and position Addis Ababa as the premier hub for cross-border e-commerce in Africa and beyond.
Speaking on the significance of the facility, representatives from international logistics firms underscored its potential to revolutionize the courier industry. “It’s a sizable facility that will undoubtedly establish Addis Ababa as the center of the courier industry,” remarked a spokesperson for a global platform operator.
Numerous international operators reportedly attended the opening ceremony on February 29, engaging with Ethiopian Airlines officials to explore opportunities for collaboration and utilization of the facility. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) promising to catalyze growth in the express industry, the e-commerce sector is witnessing rapid expansion, further accentuating the strategic importance of the new logistics center.
The facility encompasses four operational units: mail, express, e-commerce, and on-demand services. Dawit Woubishet, CEO of Logix Express plc, expressed satisfaction after visiting the facility, affirming his firm’s intent to leverage its capabilities. “Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive African network coupled with the facility’s immense sorting capacity will greatly enhance the efficiency of delivery services,” Dawit remarked.
Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, hailed the inauguration of the e-commerce logistics facility as a monumental achievement with far-reaching implications for the African economy. “Through this facility, Ethiopian Airlines is spearheading the development of e-commerce services in Ethiopia and across the continent,” Mesfin emphasized.
Spanning an impressive 15,000 square meters, the facility boasts an annual handling capacity of 150,000 tons. Mesfin noted the successful realization of the group’s USD 55 million investment, affirming its alignment with global trends in e-commerce logistics.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology and streamlined processes, the e-commerce logistics center offers a comprehensive range of services including consolidation, sortation, repacking, and labeling. Ethiopian Airlines customers stand to benefit from enhanced tracking capabilities, facilitating seamless shipment monitoring from any location.
