Ethiopian Airlines launches flights to Houston

Ethiopian Airlines Group has finalized preparations to launch a thrice-weekly flights to Houston from Addis Ababa beginning on Dec. 16.

The new flights will be operated via Ethiopian's West African hub in Lome, Togo, and will facilitate the travel of the large African community in the Houston area as well as the oil and gas industry and other companies doing business in the region.

Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Tewolde GebreMariam, said: "The U.S. is among our most important markets. The opening of new route to Houston is aimed at responding to the market demand and availing the best possible connectivity between the USA and over 60 African destinations. The new flights will provide the only direct and most efficient connections between Houston and West Africa."

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, flight number ET518 will depart from Addis Ababa at 8:30 a.m., arriving in Lome at 11:20 a.m. Following a layover of one hour and 20 minutes, the flight will depart from Lome, arriving in Houston at 8:20 p.m.

On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, return flight ET519 will depart Houston at 4 p.m. and arrive in Lome at 11:40 a.m. the next day. After a one-hour layover, the aircraft will depart for Addis Ababa, arriving in the capital at 9 p.m.

The service represents Ethiopian's first foray into the Houston market. The carrier currently serves Washington, New York (both Newark and JFK) and Chicago.