Ethiopian Airlines has officially opened a state-of-the-art premium lounge at Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport, marking a significant step in its bid to join the world’s top ten carriers.

The new $16m facility was inaugurated on Tuesday as part of a broader strategy to modernize the airline's infrastructure and enhance the passenger experience at its primary hub.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mesfin Tasew, CEO of the Ethiopian Airlines Group, said the investment reflects the company's commitment to global excellence.

"We continuously strive to elevate our infrastructure to an international standard," Mesfin told attendees.

The lounge is designed to serve a range of premium passengers, including business class travelers and Platinum and Silver frequent flyer members.

The facility aims to streamline the transit experience through Addis Ababa, offering enhanced hospitality, comfort, and safety features for international commuters.

Ethiopian Airlines, the continent’s largest and most profitable carrier, continues to see strong backing from the state.

Lt. Gen. Yilma Merdasa, Chairman of the Ethiopian Airlines Group Board, emphasized that the airline remains a leader in African aviation. He added that the government remains committed to supporting the flag carrier’s goal of becoming one of the ten best airlines globally.

The launch of the lounge follows a period of rapid expansion for the airline, which has increasingly focused on capturing the growing market for transit flights between Asia, the Americas, and the rest of Africa.