Ethiopia is set to significantly lower the cost of air cargo and operational overheads following the House of People’s Representatives' ratification of a series of strategic air service agreements.

The most impactful of these new measures is the agreement with the Kingdom of Eswatini, which eliminates customs duties on essential flight materials and removes restrictions on flight frequency for cargo operations. By streamlining these logistics, the deal is expected to create a more cost-effective environment for Ethiopian aviation, enhancing the airline's competitive edge in the regional market.

The House, during its 23rd regular session of the 5th year of its tenure, officially ratified four key aviation proclamations:

• Proclamation No. 1417/2018 (Sierra Leone): Facilitates direct flight access to selected destinations, improving travel convenience.
• Proclamation No. 1418/2018 (Angola): Aims to deepen the long-standing diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations through enhanced connectivity.
• Proclamation No. 1419/2018 (Bangladesh): Designed to tap into the growing air traffic flow, specifically targeting increased foreign direct investment, tourism, and foreign currency generation.
• Proclamation No. 1420/2018 (Eswatini): Focused on operational efficiency by enabling unlimited cargo flights and duty-free import of flight-related materials, directly reducing operating costs.

Dr. Fethi Mahdi, Deputy Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs, presented the reports to the House, highlighting that these agreements are critical to Ethiopia’s broader economic strategy. By expanding the national carrier's footprint and lowering logistical barriers, these pacts are intended to boost trade, attract investment, and solidify Ethiopia's role as a dominant hub in the African aviation sector.

The House unanimously approved all four agreements, signaling a unified commitment to leveraging aviation as a primary engine for national economic development.