Gallery: Inside Ethiopian Airlines’ New E-Commerce Logistics Facility
Keith Mwanalushi March 13, 2024![Inside e-commerce logistics facility](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-03/ethiopian-ecommerce-1.jpg?itok=znYgcQyQ)
Grand Opening
Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics unveiled a new e-commerce logistics facility at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, which is the first of its kind in Africa. Aviation Week attended the inaugural ceremony in late February.
![Inside e-commerce logistics facility](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-03/ethiopian-ecommerce-2.jpg?itok=Ayqf34Ez)
Supporting Freighter Ops
The $55 million, 15,000 m2 (approximately 16,146 ft.2) facility has capacity to handle up to 150,000 tons of goods annually, supported by a fleet of 16 dedicated freighters and passenger belly space.
![Ethiopian Airlines freighter](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-03/ethiopian-ecommerce-2-5.jpg?itok=3xjttYof)
Growing Freighter Fleet
According to Aviation Week Network’s 2024 Commercial Fleet and MRO Forecast, Ethiopian Airlines’ freighter fleet currently includes 10 Boeing 777-200Fs, four 737-800s and two 767-300Fs. It is also planning to convert some of its De Havilland Dash 8-400s to freighters as part of fleet expansion plans.
![Inside e-commerce logistics facility](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-03/ethiopian-ecommerce-3.jpg?itok=ryfhlhUb)
Construction Project
The facility was built over a 2.5-year period by Chinese aerospace conglomerate AVIC. Ethiopian engineers were responsible for managing the project.
![Inside e-commerce logistics facility](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-03/ethiopian-ecommerce-4.jpg?itok=ki_sWQrO)
Technology Upgrade
New technologies and systems will allow for easier sorting, repacking and labeling by operators.
![Inside e-commerce logistics facility](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-03/ethiopian-ecommerce-5.jpg?itok=AfkpGwXw)
Automated Conveyor System
An automated conveyor system will sort packages dedicated to e-commerce, mail and courier deliveries more quickly and efficiently. Customers will also be able to track and trace items throughout the process
![Inside e-commerce logistics facility](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-03/ethiopian-ecommerce-6.jpg?itok=dp4sgQaR)
New Systems
Meticulously implemented systems will offer consolidation and de-consolidation services, such as when a shipment requires delivery to multiple end customers.
![Inside e-commerce logistics center](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-03/ethiopian-ecommerce-7.jpg?itok=JpmtMGKS)
Increasing Volumes
As e-commerce volumes gradually increase, the facility will be used for mail and parcel services.
![Inside e-commerce logistics facility](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-03/ethiopian-ecommerce-8.jpg?itok=rtiq902Z)
Global E-Commerce Ops
Goods from e-commerce partners such as Alibaba and Amazon will be sorted at the facility and distributed to global markets, including African freighter and belly cargo routes.
![Inside e-commerce logistics facility](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-03/ethiopian-ecommerce-9_1.jpg?itok=XDYYhw6q)
Enabling African Trade
Ethiopian hopes the new facility will aid trade links between African countries and enable a culture change on how e-commerce is delivered.
Aviation Week takes a look inside Ethiopian Airlines' new e-commerce logistics facility at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa.