The Ethiopian Airlines has partnered with Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHICCIMA) as the official carrier of its forthcoming 15th Port Harcourt International Trade Fair.

The flagship fair of the South-South region of the country would hold in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital from December 6 to 20.

The Traffic and Sales Manager (TSM) of Ethiopian Airlines in Port Harcourt and Enugu, Mr. Solomon Mekonne, said this in a statement in Enugu on Wednesday.

Mekonnen said that the partnership agreement was sealed after a meeting between the airlines and PHICCIMA which held in Port Harcourt.

He noted that since Ethiopian Airlines maiden flight to Port Harcourt International Airport; it had broken several records and could only be described as a “game-changer”.

The Manger said: “Ethiopian Airlines and PHICCIMA are committed to connecting African countries to each other and Africa to the World.

“Also, part of the vision for the event is to connect both local and international businesses while accelerating international trade and investments.

“This year’s fair will sure be big as Africa’s best and biggest airline, Ethiopian Airlines, will be making its debut in the event; while we are assuring participants from all over the world of seamless connectivity.

“This is coming at a time the award-winning Airline will be launching one of World’s most technologically advanced aircraft Boeing 787-9 DREAMLINER and increasing flight frequency from three to four times weekly to Port Harcourt International Airport.”

Mekonnen noted that Ethiopian Airlines was committed to strengthening intra-African and inter-African aviation transport links.

Responding, Chairman of PHICCIMA Trade Fair Organising Committee, Chief Mike Elechi, said the fair would attract business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, international organisations, trade and investment promotion agencies, business associations and media from all over the world.

“The event supports micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and trade as well as investment institutions as they are key implementers of the African Continental Free Trade Area policy, which is essential to achieve Africa’s inclusive and sustainable development,” Elechi said.

It would be recalled that Ethiopian Airlines is the largest and fastest growing airline in Africa, combining both cargo and passenger operations, since it was founded 72 years ago.

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