Ethiopian Airlines has expanded its European footprint with a new service connecting Addis Ababa, Geneva, and Lyon, France. The route, which launched on July 2, includes a 53-nautical-mile (98-kilometer) leg between Geneva and Lyon that is currently considered the shortest scheduled flight operated by an Airbus A350-900, according to reports from SimpleFlying.
How does the new Ethiopian Airlines route function?
The service operates three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. It replaces the airline’s former extension that linked Geneva to Brussels. While the flight between Geneva and Lyon is part of the broader schedule, the airline does not possess fifth-freedom traffic rights for that specific segment. Consequently, passengers cannot purchase tickets solely for travel between Geneva and Lyon; the flight serves as a connector for travelers moving through the carrier’s international network to or from Addis Ababa.
Why are short-haul legs used on long-haul aircraft?
Ethiopian Airlines utilizes well-planned one-stop services to bridge African and European markets. This operational approach differs from the airline's Manchester route, where it holds fifth-freedom rights. On the Geneva-Manchester sector, the airline competes directly with low-cost carrier easyJet, allowing passengers to book that specific leg independently.
What is the future outlook for Ethiopian Airlines’ expansion?
The carrier is currently scaling its operations to increase aviation linkages between Africa and Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I book a flight just from Geneva to Lyon on Ethiopian Airlines?
No. Because the airline lacks fifth-freedom rights on this specific route, tickets cannot be sold for travel exclusively between these two cities. - How many times a week does the flight to Lyon operate?
The service runs three times per week, specifically on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. - What aircraft does Ethiopian Airlines use for this route?
The route is serviced by an Airbus A350-900, which is typically configured for long-haul international operations.
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