Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ADDISABABA421
2007-02-09 14:00:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Addis Ababa
Cable title:
ETHIOPIA: AIRLINE CHIEF SEEKS USG ASSISTANCE WITH
how-toVZCZCXRO3264 OO RUEHROV DE RUEHDS #0421 0401400 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 091400Z FEB 07 FM AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4557 INFO RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC
UNCLAS ADDIS ABABA 000421
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
NAIROBI FOR FCS
DEPARTMENT FOR EB/TRA
FAA NATIONAL HQ WASH DC
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD EINV EAID EAIR ET
SUBJECT: ETHIOPIA: AIRLINE CHIEF SEEKS USG ASSISTANCE WITH
CODE SHARE AGREEMENT AND FREE TRADE ZONE
UNCLAS ADDIS ABABA 000421
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
NAIROBI FOR FCS
DEPARTMENT FOR EB/TRA
FAA NATIONAL HQ WASH DC
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD EINV EAID EAIR ET
SUBJECT: ETHIOPIA: AIRLINE CHIEF SEEKS USG ASSISTANCE WITH
CODE SHARE AGREEMENT AND FREE TRADE ZONE
1. (SBU) At a meeting with the Ambassador February 5,
Ethiopian Airlines Chief Executive Officer Girma Wake
requested USG assistance with two of the airline's strategic
initiatives: membership in the Star Alliance airline network
and establishment of a free trade zone at Bole International
Airport. Girma told the Ambassador that Ethiopian sought to
enter into a code share agreement with United Airlines, via a
Star Alliance membership, to increase passenger and, more
importantly, cargo business between the U.S. and Ethiopia.
Girma indicated that he was in negotiations with Star
Alliance and requested USG support of its bid to join the
organization. (Note: Ethiopian Airlines is a state-run
monopoly which includes Foreign Minister Seyoum among its
board of directors. Its purchase of $1.8 billion worth of
Boeing aircraft represents the largest U.S. commercial export
to the country. End Note)
2. (SBU) Girma also informed the Ambassador that he would
like to establish a free trade zone (FTZ) on the grounds of
Bole International Airport. He envisioned an FTZ focusing on
a myriad of products, but primarily electronics from Asia.
Girma said that Prime Minister Meles had already given the
"green light" for the project and that land had already been
allocated. Girma noted that USG technical assistance to
establish the FTZ would kick-start the initiative.
3. (SBU) Comment. U.S. support for a code share agreement
between United Airlines and Ethiopian will help underscore
Ethiopia's development efforts. This would also compliment
ongoing U.S. efforts to provide Title I food aid. End
Comment.
YAMAMOTO
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
NAIROBI FOR FCS
DEPARTMENT FOR EB/TRA
FAA NATIONAL HQ WASH DC
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD EINV EAID EAIR ET
SUBJECT: ETHIOPIA: AIRLINE CHIEF SEEKS USG ASSISTANCE WITH
CODE SHARE AGREEMENT AND FREE TRADE ZONE
1. (SBU) At a meeting with the Ambassador February 5,
Ethiopian Airlines Chief Executive Officer Girma Wake
requested USG assistance with two of the airline's strategic
initiatives: membership in the Star Alliance airline network
and establishment of a free trade zone at Bole International
Airport. Girma told the Ambassador that Ethiopian sought to
enter into a code share agreement with United Airlines, via a
Star Alliance membership, to increase passenger and, more
importantly, cargo business between the U.S. and Ethiopia.
Girma indicated that he was in negotiations with Star
Alliance and requested USG support of its bid to join the
organization. (Note: Ethiopian Airlines is a state-run
monopoly which includes Foreign Minister Seyoum among its
board of directors. Its purchase of $1.8 billion worth of
Boeing aircraft represents the largest U.S. commercial export
to the country. End Note)
2. (SBU) Girma also informed the Ambassador that he would
like to establish a free trade zone (FTZ) on the grounds of
Bole International Airport. He envisioned an FTZ focusing on
a myriad of products, but primarily electronics from Asia.
Girma said that Prime Minister Meles had already given the
"green light" for the project and that land had already been
allocated. Girma noted that USG technical assistance to
establish the FTZ would kick-start the initiative.
3. (SBU) Comment. U.S. support for a code share agreement
between United Airlines and Ethiopian will help underscore
Ethiopia's development efforts. This would also compliment
ongoing U.S. efforts to provide Title I food aid. End
Comment.
YAMAMOTO