South Sudan is set to launch its own national airline, with Ethiopian Airlines as its partner. The two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2023, outlining plans for the airline's establishment and operation.
The official agreement was signed on November 7, 2024, by the Ethiopian Ambassador and South Sudan's Transport Minister. This collaboration aims to improve South Sudan's air connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and create jobs.
Ethiopian Airlines will provide crucial support, including technical expertise, training, and operational management. This includes managing South Sudan's airspace, which is transitioning from Sudanese control.
The partnership aligns with Ethiopian Airlines' regional expansion strategy and contributes to the development of the aviation industry in Central and East Africa.