Ethiopian Airlines and Nigeria’s Air Peace have signed a bilateral interline agreement covering passenger travel and checked baggage, Ethiopian Airlines said in a press release dated November 10 from Addis Ababa.

Under the agreement, each airline can issue tickets for eligible itineraries that include flights operated by both carriers. Passengers will be able to book qualifying journeys on a single ticket, with baggage checked through to the final destination where applicable. The release said this removes the need for separate bookings and baggage re-checks.

The deal links Air Peace’s domestic and regional network with Ethiopian’s international network across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas. Travellers leaving major Nigerian and West African cities will be able to reach Ethiopian’s destinations through Addis Ababa. International passengers arriving on Ethiopian flights will have more onward options across Nigeria and West Africa through Air Peace, according to the release.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to better connectivity and customer convenience, and to growing air travel across Africa. He said it creates more travel opportunities and is “bringing Africa closer to the world.”

Air Peace Chairman and CEO Dr Allen Onyema said the deal is another milestone in strengthening African aviation connectivity. He said the airline wants to build partnerships that broaden connectivity and “position African aviation as a formidable force in global air transport.”

The airlines said the partnership should support regional integration, trade and tourism, as African economies pursue closer integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The release describes Ethiopian as flying to more than 160 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. It describes Air Peace as Nigeria’s largest airline, with routes across Africa, Europe, South America, the Caribbean and the Middle East.

Source: PR