Ethiopian Airlines marks 78 years of success in African skies

Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew and Chief Commercial Officer Lemma Yadecha accompanied the crew on a flight to Cairo, marking the airline’s inaugural international service.
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Updated 13 April 2024
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Ethiopian Airlines marks 78 years of success in African skies

Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s largest airline group, has marked its 78th anniversary, highlighting a legacy of resilience and innovation since 1946. Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew and Chief Commercial Officer Lemma Yadecha accompanied the crew on a flight to Cairo, marking the airline’s inaugural international service. Their involvement extended beyond in-flight duties, as they also provided assistance to passengers during check-in and boarding processes, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

Tasew said: “This event symbolizes our unwavering commitment to our passengers and our belief that true leadership lies in serving others first. Serving our passengers on this special flight to Cairo is not just a tribute to our first international service but a reaffirmation of our commitment to the ethos of servant leadership. From our humble beginning back in 1946, we’ve come to be the aviation giant in Africa that we are now, pioneering African aviation with many first aviation innovation introductions to Africa along the way. As we are maturing beautifully, our commitment only gets stronger.”

In line with the airline’s values of community engagement, passengers received season’s greeting packages and “Happy Fasting” messages, reflecting the airline’s respect for diverse traditions. The packages included a postcard commemorating the anniversary, serving as a tangible reminder of the airline’s enduring legacy.

“Our mission extends beyond transportation,” said Yadecha. “We strive to foster a sense of unity and belongingness among our passengers, regardless of their background or belief. This anniversary is a celebration of unity and diversity. By stepping into the roles of our dedicated ground and flight crew, we honor every individual who has been part of our story. Our service today is a promise of continued service excellence for all our passengers.”

In a display of commitment, all executives at Ethiopian Airlines have taken a hands-on approach to service, personally attending to the needs of the airline’s valued customers. This initiative underscores the airline’s ethos of servant leadership and its dedication to providing an exceptional travel experience.

Celebrating its 78th anniversary, Ethiopian Airlines has reaffirmed commitment to its mission of bridging Africa with the world. The airline remains dedicated to enhancing passenger experience, as evidenced by its consideration to offer complimentary Wi-Fi to Cairo-bound travelers.


Jeeny launches First–Last Mile Access in partnership with Medina Bus

Updated 19 December 2025
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Jeeny launches First–Last Mile Access in partnership with Medina Bus

Jeeny has announced the introduction of its First-Last Mile Access Program in collaboration with Medina Bus, marking a significant step forward in Saudi Arabia's transportation reform. 

Passengers who buy a Medina Bus ticket can now get discounted Jeeny rides to and from key bus stops, making public transportation more accessible for both residents and pilgrims.

While the initiative appears modest, it represents a far wider vision: the first operational phase of Jeeny's goal to develop Saudi Arabia's next-generation Integrated Mobility Platform, an integrated framework that will eventually connect numerous modes of transportation under one seamless consumer experience.

Medina was chosen as the launch location because of its national importance and growing demand for efficient transportation. 

In 2024, the city's bus network handled 1.72 million people, and demand is predicted to increase further in 2025. 

Medina, being one of the Kingdom's most popular destinations, provides a real-world setting for evaluating concepts that can then be scaled across the country.

“This marks the beginning of a mobility shift in Saudi Arabia, where public transport and private operators can work together to offer a seamless journey,” said Hammad Ehtesham, CEO of Jeeny. “Making it easier for people to reach public transport is the foundation of a future where every mode of mobility in the Kingdom connects effortlessly.”

With millions of rides every year in Saudi Arabia and Jordan, Jeeny has developed into one of the top mobility platforms in the area. 

The company, which employs over 400 people and has one of the biggest active driver networks in the Kingdom, is currently getting ready for its next stage: a nationwide mobility ecosystem that will support buses, ride-hailing, micro-mobility, pilgrim mobility services, and end-to-end travel solutions, including direct flight booking through Jeeny.  

Despite the fact that Medina's First-Last Mile initiative is relatively new, early feedback shows that users are really interested in more accessible transportation options. 

Similar First-Last Mile initiatives can increase public transportation usage by 15 to 25 percent, according to international research, underscoring the wider potential impact as Jeeny considers expanding to more Saudi cities.

“What begins in Medina will become a blueprint for the Kingdom’s connected mobility future,” Ehtesham added. “This is the first step toward a nationwide ecosystem that will make movement simpler, smarter, and more accessible for everyone.”

Passengers on Medina Bus are now able to make use of the Jeeny First-Last Mile Access Program, which supports Saudi Arabia's vision for contemporary, sustainable, and inclusive mobility while providing a new, more convenient means of accessing public transportation.