New office builds on Boeing’s 75-year legacy in Africa and strengthens Boeing’s commitment to growth on the continent.
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, April 22, 2025 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] has strengthened its presence in Africa with the opening of a new office in Addis Ababa to serve as the company’s administrative hub in the region.
Kuljit Ghata-Aura, president of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia, said:
“Boeing’s expanded footprint in Africa is a testament to our commitment to the region’s aerospace industry. This office will allow us to work more closely with our more than 60 airline customers on the continent, forge strategic partnerships, enhance safety standards and contribute to the ongoing efforts to expand Africa’s aviation industry, which is a key driver of the region’s economy.”
Boeing also has an office in Johannesburg, South Africa, and has field service representatives stationed with airlines in Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania and Togo.
Heading the office will be Henok Teferra Shawl, managing director of Boeing Africa. Henok said: “Africa is among the most promising markets in terms of economic and business growth. Being closer to our customers, government stakeholders, and suppliers will enable us to develop solutions that best address the needs of Africa’s aviation sector.”
As the leading provider of commercial airplanes in Africa, Boeing also works closely with airlines to modernize fleets and strengthen safety standards. Through training, digital tools and collaboration with aviation authorities and organizations such as the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Boeing supports the continent’s efforts to enhance regulatory alignment, improve operational efficiency and ensure safe air transport operations.
Boeing has been instrumental in fostering the growth of Africa’s aviation industry for over 75 years. This has been achieved by investing in the talent pipeline, promoting innovation, aiding the development of the industrial base and advocating for market liberalization and free trade. Boeing collaborates with suppliers in Ethiopia, Morocco, and South Africa, with partnerships valued at around $40 million. Since 2008, Boeing has invested $22 million in joint efforts with academia and non-profits to support systemic improvements in education and economic empowerment in Africa
For over seven decades, Boeing airplanes have been the backbone of Africa’s commercial aviation, with more than 500 planes operated by African carriers. This represents nearly 70% of the regional market. With a defense legacy that dates back to World War II, when Boeing heritage company Douglas Aircraft established an aircraft maintenance facility in Ethiopia, Boeing continues to partner with the air forces of Cameroon, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Contact:
Femke Baudoin
Boeing communications director
Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia
+971 54 996 1349 femke.baudoin@boeing.com
Zeina El Hakam
Communications Manager, Middle East, Türkiye & Africa UAE (GMT +4): +971 50 210 0810
zeina.elhakam@boeing.com
Boeing Media Relations
media@boeing.com
