(Ecofin Agency) - Ethiopian Airlines has secured a World Food Program contract to transport essential supplies and medicines across Africa to fight the current coronavirus pandemic. This will mitigate the losses currently being suffered by Ethiopian Airlines.

The UN agency has selected Addis Ababa as one of eight global centers set up to facilitate the supply chain in the fight against the pandemic. According to the Airlines’ management, the choice of their company is justifiable by the availability of the company's aircraft for cargo service and the number of destinations it serves, the experience gained in effectively coordinating delivery within a short time frame, and the storage capacity of its cargo terminal of up to one million tons per year.

In response to the current situation, Ethiopian Cargo, the group's second-largest revenue-generating unit, has extended its reach to 74 destinations worldwide, deploying both its cargo fleet (ten Boeing 777s and two 737s) and its passenger fleet.

In March alone, the carrier transported more than 45,848 tons of cargo across the world. These deliveries included test kits and protective devices donated by Alibaba founder Jack Ma to nearly 50 African countries.

Tewolde Gebremariam, the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, said the airline has recorded revenue losses of about $550 million (since January) due to travel restrictions imposed in response to the pandemic. On scheduled flights, it now serves only 19 out of 110 international destinations. This new situation has resulted in 91 aircraft, or more than 70% of its fleet, being grounded.

Romuald Ngueyap