Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian is the flag carrier of Ethiopia and operates as a full-service carrier from a strong hub at Addis Ababa Bole (ADD), positioning itself as a primary connector between Africa and the rest of the world. From a traveler’s perspective it combines an extensive regional African network with intercontinental long-haul services and provides alliance connectivity as a member of Star Alliance.

ShebaMiles  Ethiopian's Frequent Flyer Program

Ethiopian’s frequent-flyer program is called ShebaMiles. Members earn miles on eligible flights and partner services, which can be redeemed for award travel, upgrades, and other benefits; as a Star Alliance carrier, flights can earn and be redeemed across alliance partners. The program pairs with the airline’s alliance membership to offer lounge access and other elite benefits through status earned with ShebaMiles or equivalent Star Alliance status. For travelers who fly the airline regularly or who value Star Alliance connectivity to and from Africa, crediting to ShebaMiles is generally worthwhile.

Where Ethiopian Flies

Ethiopian operates from its main hub at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) and is known for an extensive intra-African network complemented by intercontinental long-haul services to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, with some services reaching North America. The airline functions as a major African connector for passengers traveling between global regions and secondary African cities; many itineraries are routed through Addis Ababa. As a Star Alliance member, Ethiopian also extends global reach through alliance partners and codeshares, which can simplify bookings and connections across continents.

Hubs

• Addis Ababa Bole International Airport · ADD

Aircraft and Cabin Classes

Ethiopian operates a mixed fleet suited to both long-haul intercontinental routes and regional African services: modern widebodies such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 are used on long-haul routes, a Boeing 737 family of narrowbodies serves shorter international and domestic routes, and turboprops are deployed on shorter or remote African sectors. Cabin offerings are primarily Business and Economy classes on most aircraft, with lie-flat business seats on long-haul widebodies and no widely offered first-class cabin; amenities such as in-flight entertainment are commonly provided on long-haul aircraft while regional turboprops have more basic configurations.

Aircraft types operated: Airbus A350, Boeing 737 Next Generation, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, de Havilland Canada DHC-8-400, Boeing 737 MAX, Boeing 720, Convair CV-240 family, Douglas DC-3, Douglas DC-6, De Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo, de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, de Havilland Canada DHC-7

Tips for Flying Ethiopian Airlines

• Credit flights to Ethiopian’s ShebaMiles program (or to a Star Alliance partner) to collect award miles and get alliance benefits on eligible tickets.
• Expect Addis Ababa Bole (ADD) to be the airline’s main connecting hub, so compare itineraries via ADD when searching for the best schedule or fare.
• Check baggage allowances carefully for each ticket and on any codeshare segments, since allowances can differ between long-haul widebody and regional turboprop services.
• Allow generous connection time at Addis (ADD) when booking onward flights and verify transit/visa requirements if you plan to leave the airport during a stopover.