The ribbon was cut at the opening ceremony by Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn. Desalegn remarked: “Today, the national flag carrier has become the largest aviation group and the fastest growing airline in Africa, unrivalled in efficiency with shining operational excellence.” He added that Ethiopian Airlines had played a significant role in the development of the regional economy.
Also in attendance was Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive, Tewolde GebreMariam, who explained that, combined with the existing Terminal 1, the new Cargo Terminal 2 gives the airport a total cargo capacity of around 1m tonnes per annum - the largest in the continent of Africa.
“This milestone will make Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services one of the world’s largest cargo terminals; comparable with cargo terminals in Amsterdam Schiphol, Singapore Changi, or Hong Kong,” he commented.
The 150,000 square metre terminal features a dry cargo terminal warehouse, a perishable cargo terminal with cool chain storage and an apron area for five additional large freighter aircraft. Additionally, it is fitted with different climate chambers for the handling of temperature-sensitive products.
