Ethiopian Airlines' maiden flight arrived at Ivato International Airport on Tuesday. President Rajaonarimampianina was among the passengers.

A true show of force. Ethiopian Airlines' inaugural flight arrived at Ivato International Airport on Tuesday. For this first flight which linked Addis Ababa -Antananarivo, the Ethiopian company has released the big means, and Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The political and administrative authorities of the country came to attend this event to welcome this flight and its distinguished passenger., President Rajaonarimampianina. Returning from a state visit to China, the presidential delegation took this inaugural flight to reach the capital.

The Star Alliance member airline's jumbo jet set foot on the tarmac of Ivato International Airport in 13 hours 25, an hour longer than expected. As is traditional for an inaugural flight, the two trucks of fire soldiers working in this airport welcomed the aircraft with a guard of honor of water jets, offering an exceptional show to the audience.

Boost tourism

The arrival of this largest airline in Africa is a good sign for the country's tourism. “It is indisputable. It will strengthen the country’s connectivity and contribute to the development of tourism in relation to the targeted objective of one million visitors in the years to come”, declared Roland Ratsiraka, Minister of Tourism during a reception organized for the occasion at Ivato International Airport. The same enthusiasm is heard from the side of the company. “Our presence in Madagascar is of capital importance to support economic growth and the arrival of tourists in the Big Island. For the time being, we operate in three weekly flights but increasing the frequency to five or seven weekly flights are among our objectives”, said Jitendra Tolani of Ethiopian Airlines.

Lova Rafidiarisoa

Source : http://www.lexpressmada.com/blog/actualites/transport-aerien-arrivee-en-fanfare-dethiopian-airlines/