On Monday, an exclusive interview with Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde Gebremariam aired on NBC News. During the interview, the airline main made some bold statements about where he saw his visitor's relationship with the Boeing 737 MAX going, post-obit the carriers tragic crash that killed everyone onboard. The statement that made the headlines was that Gebremariam "cannot fully say that the aeroplane will fly back on Ethiopian Airlines."

Ethiopian 737 MAX
Ethiopian has seen significant growth in the by years. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons

"At this stage I cannot, I cannot fully say that the airplane will fly back on Ethiopian Airlines. It may, if nosotros are fully convinced and if we are able to convince our pilots, if nosotros are ever to convince our traveling public." -Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines

Information technology'due south been over two months since the tragedy occurred as flying ET302 lost control flight from Addis Ababa to Nairobi on March 10th, 2019. Since so damning reports accept come out painting Boeing in very negative calorie-free.

Every bit investigations and inquiries continue, Boeing has had to defend itself on diverse problems including why...

  • ...it didn't disclose the existence of MCAS to pilots until after the Lion Air incident.
  • ...Boeing airplane pilot training for the 737 MAX only consisted of a i-hr iPad session
  • ...the "bending of attack indicator" and "bending of attack disagree light" were not standard safety features

It is still uncertain when the 737 MAX will wing once again, though several airlines are counting on the FAA grounding beingness lifted erstwhile towards the terminate of the summer. Meanwhile, Boeing is hard at piece of work testing MCAS and re-gaining certification.

Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde Gebremariam at a media event Photo: Ethiopian Airlines

Deep wounds remain

Of form, the tragedy is on Gebremariam's doorstep, dealing very direct with the aftermath. As Ethiopia'south flag carrier, the CEO of the airline has a close human relationship to the citizens of the country.

It'due south one thing to regain the confidence of the worldwide public simply another, more difficult battle to regain the trust of Ethiopian citizens. With the death of 157 passengers, many who were Ethiopian, the retentivity of the incident is seared into the commonage conscience of the nation.

A grounded Boeing 737 MAX viii in Ethiopian livery Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Beneath are some additional comments past Gebremariam:

"If we fly them again, we'll be the concluding airline to fly them once again."

One time celebrated for its efficiency and range, the 737 MAX at present has to regain public trust  Photograph: Wikimedia Eatables

"Because, you know, other airlines take grounded the aeroplane, but in our instance beyond grounding the airplane, we had this tragic accident but a couple of months ago. So it takes a lot of efforts to convince everybody that the airplane is safe...Merely across that, I think nosotros take to convince ourselves and we want to do that."

The current Ethiopian armada

Currently, the Ethiopian Airlines armada mainly consists of Boeing aircraft. An exception to this is the new Airbus A350-900s (9 in service, 15 on order) for long-haul routes. For regional operations the Bombardier Nuance viii Q400 (23 in service, x on order) is the but non-Boeing plane.

For short-haul shipping in that location are 26 older Boeing 737s in service with iv 737 MAX-8s delivered and 25 on order. Larger widebody aircraft are a mix of Boeing 787s, 777s, and 767s.

The Star Alliance member airline is ane of the largest and well-nigh successful on the African continent- dominating it'south rivals Due south African Airways and Republic of kenya Airways with an extensive route network and modern fleet of aircraft.

The alternatives

If Ethiopian Airlines chooses to abandon the 737 MAX, some comparable options exist but have their consequences:

  • 737-800: Similar size (slightly less capacity), less fuel efficient than MAX equivalents.. Notwithstanding, no airplane pilot re-training is required.
  • Airbus A220-300: Less capacity. Would mean a mixed fleet of short-booty aircraft for Ethiopian with an additional investment in crew training.
  • Airbus A320neo: Again, a mixed narrowbody fleet that will require airplane pilot and maintenance training.

Conclusion

It makes consummate sense why Tewolde Gebremariam would abandon his existing and on-order 737 MAXs. As we've written before, re-certification by aviation regime after all-encompassing testing may not be enough. Earning back the trust of the traveling public - especially families of the victims and the millions who wing Ethiopian Airlines is the large, intangible challenge.

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About The Writer

Chris Loh (2021 Articles Published)

Deputy Editor - An experienced photographer and video producer, Chris is a journalistic natural. Degree educated with a wealth of traveling history, Chris' insight into routes, networks, and alliances brings a depth of quality to his work that is difficult to beat. His stiff relationships with Eye Eastern and Canadian airlines make him an asset to the team. Currently based in Vilnius, Lithuania.

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