The Human Dynamics led TA to the Implementation of the Transformation Triggering Facility (TTF) project has identified the development of an Aviation Hub in Ethiopia as one of the keys to triggering Ethiopia's economic transformation. The development of such a hub is anticipated to offer benefits to the aviation sector itself as well as to tourism, trade, investment and the broader economic productivity.
Our TA team have undertaken a detailed feasibility study to further explore how to successfully develop an Aviation Hub in Ethiopia. The recommendations of the study concentrate on the performance of two stakeholders with potential areas of intervention: the Ethiopian Airlines Academy and the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
The Ethiopian Airlines Academy is positioned as a holistic aviation training institution where all aviation professionals are offered a wide range of training programmes that cover most of the key personal and professional job requirements: “Ab-initio” pilot training, English language skills, customer service, soft skills, regulatory and professional courses, as well as leadership and development programmes. While training in the Academy has until now focused on enhancing and developing already existing capabilities for Ethiopian Airlines professionals, the study suggests it may be feasible for the Academy to consider developing new pilot training courses as well as upgrading the current courses.
For the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, the study identifies the as an area for potential enhancement this of Airport Services, particularly Air Conditioning Maintenance, Management and Catering. Furthermore, a broader focus on building the Airport’s image is identified as a crucial element in moving forward, as consumers are beginning to make a conscious choice in their selection of which airport they stop at. As this trend continues, airport branding will become all the more crucial in the future.