Ethiopian Airlines and AfDB Partner for New Bishoftu Airport
Ethiopian Airlines has officially teamed up with the African Development Bank (AfDB) on a monumental project to build a new airport near Bishoftu. This strategic partnership, formalized with a signing ceremony, is a crucial step towards creating what is set to become Africa's largest aviation hub.
Project Vision and Scope
The new facility is a cornerstone of Ethiopian Airlines' ambitious Vision 2035 strategy. With an estimated cost of $10 billion, the airport is designed to alleviate the severe congestion at the current Bole International Airport, which is operating at its capacity limits. The project's massive scale includes:
- Four runways for simultaneous takeoffs and landings.
- A capacity to handle 100 million passengers annually at full build-out, with an initial capacity of 60 million passengers per year in its first phase.
- Modern passenger and cargo facilities, alongside a new expressway and rail link to Addis Ababa.
- A dedicated cargo terminal and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facilities.
Financial and Strategic Partnership
The AfDB is playing a vital role as the lead arranger for the project, tasked with mobilizing the necessary $7.8 billion in funding from various public and private sources. Ethiopian Airlines will contribute an additional 20% of the funding. This collaboration highlights the AfDB's commitment to supporting major infrastructure projects that drive economic integration and growth across the continent. The project has been hailed as an "African flagship project" by AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina.
Construction and Design
The airport, which will be located on a 35-square-kilometer site, is a five-year project with a planned completion in 2029. The design and consultancy contract was awarded to an international consortium, with Dar Al-Handasah Consultants and renowned Zaha Hadid Architects on board. The final design will incorporate elements of Ethiopian heritage and is planned to be an emblematic structure for the nation.
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