Ethiopian Airlines vs Kuwait Airways

Overview

Ethiopian Airlines is the flag carrier of Ethiopia. According to Wikipedia, it was founded on 21 December 1945 and began operations on 8 April 1946. It is owned by the Government of Ethiopia (Wikidata), is based at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, and is a member of Star Alliance. Its frequent-flyer programme is ShebaMiles.

Network and hubs

The main hub is Addis Ababa Bole. Wikipedia lists secondary hubs at Lomé, Lusaka and Lilongwe, plus Liège for cargo. The airline serves a network of 155 passenger destinations, 22 of them domestic, and 68 freighter destinations. It holds stakes in several African carriers, including ASKY Airlines, Air Congo, Malawi Airlines and Zambia Airways.

Fleet

Ethiopian is Africa's largest airline by fleet. Nairametrics, using Planespotters data, counted 162 aircraft in July 2026. The Wikipedia fleet page (as of November 2025) lists these types:

• Airbus A350-900 (and A350-1000)
• Boeing 787-8 and 787-9
• Boeing 777
• Boeing 737 (including MAX)
• Bombardier Q400
• Boeing 767 (freighter)

Boeing announced on 20 April 2026 that six more 787s had been ordered as firm orders. In mid-May 2026, reports said the airline was in early talks for more A350s and about twenty A220s. These are reports, not confirmed orders. Its Vision 2035 plan aims for 271 aircraft by 2035.

On board

Long-haul aircraft have Business class, branded Cloud Nine, and Economy. On the A350-900, seatmaps.com reports personal entertainment screens with USB charging and a seat pitch of about 31-32 inches in Business. Meal, Wi-Fi and Economy seat details vary by aircraft and route and were not confirmed from an official source.

Good to know

• Baggage: the official baggage page gives a 23 kg limit per checked bag. Economy cabin baggage is one piece of up to 7 kg (official carry-on page). The number of free checked bags depends on route and fare, so check when booking.
• Lounges: Business class passengers can use the Cloud Nine Lounge in Terminal 2 at Addis Ababa and Star Alliance partner lounges (Going).
• Loyalty: ShebaMiles; Star Alliance status benefits apply.
• Fees and punctuality: no published change-fee or on-time figures were verified.

Global Network and Operations

Kuwait Airways, the national carrier of Kuwait, operates an extensive network connecting the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its fleet size comprises around 28 aircraft, including Airbus A320, A330, and Boeing 777 models. The airline's main hub is Kuwait International Airport (KWI), serving as a strategic gateway connecting to over 40 destinations.

• Serves key cities in Europe such as London, Paris, and Frankfurt.
• Extensive coverage in the Middle East and North Africa regions.
• Regular long-haul flights to Asia including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Delhi.
• Focused on expanding reach through direct flights and code-share partnerships.

Innovation and Milestones

Kuwait Airways has marked significant achievements throughout its history since founding in 1954:

• First airline to introduce the Boeing 777 in the Gulf region in the late 1990s.
• Modernization of fleet with newer, fuel-efficient Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft.
• Implementation of advanced reservation and online check-in systems.
• Adoption of eco-friendly initiatives aiming to reduce carbon emissions.

Customer Experience and Recognition

Kuwait Airways offers a range of cabin classes, including Economy, Business, and First Class on long-haul routes. Passengers benefit from comfortable seating with competitive pitch, in-flight entertainment options, and complimentary meals that reflect regional flavors. The airline has received positive recognition for its attentive service, safety standards, and punctuality. Kuwait Airways continues upgrading its lounges and enhancing frequent flyer benefits to improve customer satisfaction.

Future Outlook

Looking forward, Kuwait Airways aims to expand its fleet and route network, focusing on increasing connectivity across Asia and Europe. Investment in newer aircraft and digital services are central to its modernization strategy. The airline is also committed to environmental sustainability goals and enhancing passenger comfort through innovative cabin designs and inflight technology upgrades.