Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines today announced Ethiopian Airlines will expand their North American service with flights into ATL. On May 16, Ethiopian Airlines will begin service four times weekly from their base in Addis Ababa (ADD) to ATL using a 315-seat Boeing 787-9, with one stop in Dublin (DUB) for refueling.

“Ethiopian Airlines’ new service to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is yet another win for our City as we continue to develop and expand our air service to Africa,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “As we celebrate the new connection of the rich and dynamic cities of Atlanta and Addis Ababa, we look forward to a strong and successful partnership with our new partners in Ethiopia.”

“As the world’s busiest and most efficient airport, our mission is to deliver excellence while connecting our community to the world,” said ATL General Manager Balram “B” Bheodari. “This new partnership with Ethiopian Airlines expands that connectivity and access for our passengers and further solidifies our position as an industry leader. We are thrilled to welcome Ethiopian Airlines to ATL.”

“This announcement is truly significant with Ethiopian Airlines being the largest African carrier to fly out of ATL. We are the gateway to the world and this collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines further illustrates our global commitment to our passengers and stakeholders,” said ATL Deputy General Manager and Chief Commercial Officer Jai Ferrell. “We are looking forward to welcoming new and returning passengers to our world-class customer experience as they travel to and through ATL.”

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said his team is delighted to open their sixth gateway in North America. “We have been connecting the U.S. and Africa for 25 years now and the new service will help boost the investment, tourism, diplomatic and socioeconomic bonds between the two regions,” Tasew said. “As a pan-African carrier, we are committed to further expand our global network and connect Africa with the rest of the world. We are also keen to better serve the U.S. by increasing our destinations and flight frequencies.”

Ethiopian Airlines is the second African carrier to provide service to ATL, which will be their fifth destination in the U.S. and the sixth destination in North America. Airport leadership plans to host a celebration with Ethiopian Airlines, representation from the Mayor’s Office and international dignitaries when service officially launches on May 16.