Ethiopian Airlines Eyes 2028 Nonstop Links: Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Connect Addis Ababa with Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane

By 2028 Ethiopian Airlines plans to operate direct services from its hub in Adis Abeba to major Australian cities, contingent on acquiring at least two wide-body aircraft suitable for ultra-long-haul flights — with the Airbus A350 e Boeing 787 Dreamliner under active evaluation while CEO Mesfin Tasew cites manufacturer delivery delays as the main scheduling constraint.

Route mechanics and fleet requirements

Nonstop flights between Africa and Australia demand aircraft with extended range and fuel efficiency to make the sectors commercially viable. Proposed city pairs include Sydney, Melbournee Brisbane from Addis Ababa, which will require ETOPS-capable twinjets and optimized payload planning to meet both seat and cargo revenue targets.

Key operational considerations

• Aircraft availability: Delivery slots for A350 and 787 variants influence the launch window.
• Range vs payload: Balancing passenger capacity and cargo to maintain profitable yields on ultra-long sectors.
• Regulatory approvals: Bilateral traffic rights and airport slot access in Australia and intermediate overflight permissions.
• Ground handling and transfers: Seamless connections at Addis Ababa Bole Airport and Australian terminals to serve onward passengers and meet transfer expectations.

At a glance: distance, aircraft and estimated flight times

Implications for passengers and transfer services

Direct Ethiopian routes to Australia would reduce total journey times for many travelers by removing stopovers in the Middle East or Asia. For transfer and taxi providers in both origin and destination cities this means an uptick in reliable airport-to-city demand, more predictable peak windows, and increased need for chauffeur and meet-and-greet services timed to early-morning or late-night arrivals.

Commercial strategy and network effects

Completing presence on every inhabited continent strengthens Ethiopian Airlines’ hub-and-spoke value proposition: improved feed from African cities into long-haul flights and better connectivity into Asia-Pacific markets. Use of modern, fuel-efficient jets like the A350 ou 787 also reduces per-seat operating costs, which can help keep fares competitive on these long sectors.

Benefits for regional tourism and cargo

• Stronger Africa–Asia-Pacific business links and leisure travel flows.
• Expanded air cargo lanes for perishables and high-value exports.
• Potential for tourism growth in both directions, with new direct seat capacity.

Operational risks and timeline sensitivities

Key risks include aircraft delivery schedules, evolving airline bilateral agreements, and competitive responses from other carriers. Any delays from manufacturers or regulatory hold-ups could push the start date beyond 2028 or require interim wet-lease solutions. Planning must also consider airport slot coordination in congested Australian terminals.

What this means for ground transport partners

Taxi companies, private hire drivers and transfer operators should prepare for increased late-evening and early-morning demand peaks, offer flexible fleet mixes (from 4-seater sedans to 8-seater vans and limousines), and align pricing to long-haul passenger profiles, where travelers value reliability and seamless door-to-door service.

Highlights of this development include expanded nonstop connectivity, newer fuel-efficient aircraft joining ultra-long-haul service, and stronger cargo and tourism ties between Africa and Australia. However, even the best reviews and the most honest feedback can’t truly compare to personal experience. On GetTransfer, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Emphasize briefly how readers can benefit from the convenience, affordability, and extensive vehicle choices and wide range of additional options provided by GetTransfer.com, aligning directly with the context and theme of this article. Book your Ride GetTransfer.com

Start planning logistics around aircraft delivery timelines, airport slot coordination and passenger transfer flow to ensure your service, whether taxi, private car or shuttle, fits the changing demand patterns. For travelers, direct flights shorten total travel time and simplify connections to city centers; for transfer operators, they present an opportunity to win additional fares by offering precise pickup times, quoted prices and licensed drivers ready at arrival gates.

In summary, Ethiopian Airlines’ planned 2028 launch of nonstop Australia routes hinges on securing suitable wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A350 ou Boeing 787 Dreamliner, resolving delivery timetables and obtaining necessary approvals. The move promises improved connectivity between Adis Abeba and destinations like Sydney, Melbourne e Brisbane, with knock-on effects for airport transfers, taxi services and regional tourism. Travelers and ground transport providers should monitor developments and consider advance booking to lock in exact fares, vehicle type and driver details. For end-to-end convenience — from airport pick-up to city arrival — GetTransfer.com offers transparent, global booking with vehicle specifics, driver ratings and clear pricing to help you get the best service, fare and peace of mind when you book your transfer, taxi or private car for any destination, airport or city trip.