Ethiopian Airlines Group is to start manufacturing aircraft-interior components in Ethiopia, after forming a partnership with German cabin specialist ACM Aerospace.
Following a feasibility study, Ethiopian said July 5 it has agreed to produce aircraft seat covers, safety belts, carpets and other interior parts for ACM Aerospace.
The Ethiopia-based facility will be EASA Part 21G-certified for production and will support more than 100 jobs.
Raw materials for the venture will initially be imported, but Ethiopian plans to certify its own locally made leathers and fabrics, further supporting local industry and generating a “considerable amount” of foreign currency for the country.
Ethiopian Airlines group CEO Tewolde Gebremariam said the initiative fits with the Ethiopian government’s five-year growth and industrialization policy.
“We are working in partnership with aircraft manufacturers and other aerospace suppliers to establish and develop labor-intensive aerospace manufacturing industry with a wide portfolio of products,” Gebremariam said.
ACM Aerospace managing director Arash Noshari added that he is aiming to create a “very strong partnership,” which will grow the number of aircraft-interior products made in Ethiopia.
The move forms part of Ethiopian Airlines’ diversification under its 15-year Vision 2025 strategic plan.
Atw
