Private operators set to achieve targets set in aviation sector

Addis Ababa, March 6, 2011 (Addis Ababa) ENA- Private operators in the aviation sector said they have vowed to achieve the targets set in the sector over the next five.

They said they envisage increasing their flight numbers significantly to boost the business in the sector with a view to realizing the five year Growth and Transformation Plan.

Accordingly, Abyssinia Flight Service, Deputy Managing Director, Captain Amare Gebrehana told ENA on Saturday that it is operating with seven aircrafts which are for 6 to 12 passengers.

He said the service has a plan to increase the number of its aircrafts to 12 in the coming five years. It also has a plan to buy a helicopter.

Amibara General Aviation Services, CEO, Biniam Hibora on his part said the service has five aircrafts that have a capacity of spraying chemicals over 70,000 hectares of land a year.

Amibara will soon buy a 16- seats aircraft to engage in transporting people, the CEO said.

He said the government is supporting the sector in many ways including tax-free importation of spare parts for aircrafts which he said is vital for the airline sector.

Another operator, Aberdair Ethiopia, CEO, Frehiwot Tessema on her part said the aviation sector is growing due to the ever increasing tourist flow and the economic growth in the country.

Though private operators are coming up the number of operators is very few, she said.

According to the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, some 25 private operators have already licensed to operate out of which eight of them launched operation