Ethiopian Airlines vs Sudan 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

Sudan Airways serves as Sudan's national carrier, operating a network that primarily covers regional destinations within Africa and the Middle East. The airline's fleet includes several aircraft types such as Boeing 737 variants and older Soviet-era aircraft, working to maintain connectivity for both domestic and select international routes. Sudan Airways is headquartered in Khartoum, with its main hub at Khartoum International Airport.
• Operates scheduled passenger and cargo services mainly across East and North Africa.
• Focuses on connecting Sudan to key regional economic and cultural centers.
• Maintains strategic importance as Sudan’s flag carrier, supporting national development.
• Currently, Sudan Airways has no formal alliance affiliation, operating independently.

Innovation and Milestones

Since its establishment in 1946, Sudan Airways has played a pivotal role in the country’s civil aviation:
• Was the first Sudanese airline to connect Khartoum with major African hubs and Middle Eastern cities.
• Transitioned from propeller aircraft to jet aircraft, modernizing its fleet over decades despite economic and regulatory challenges.
• Pioneered the re-establishment of scheduled regional air services following periods of interruption due to sanctions and conflicts.
• Has engaged in gradual fleet renewal efforts to improve operational safety and efficiency.

Customer Experience and Recognition

Sudan Airways offers economy class seating across all flights, focusing on affordability and essential services. Although in-flight entertainment and luxury cabin options remain limited, the airline emphasizes reliable transport and culturally sensitive hospitality reflecting Sudanese traditions. The carrier has faced challenges in maintaining on-time performance and safety standards, but continues efforts to improve through regulatory compliance and staff training.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Sudan Airways aims to revitalize its operations by pursuing fleet modernization and enhancing route networks as Sudan’s stability improves. The airline is exploring partnerships and potential technical collaborations to upgrade safety and service standards. Focus remains on strengthening its role as the nation's key air transport provider while gradually expanding service to attractive regional markets.