Chinese-built Ethiopian Airlines headquarters building tops out

Mesfin Tasew, chief executive officer (CEO) of Ethiopian Airlines Group, speaks during a topping-out ceremony of the new Ethiopian Airlines Group headquarters building in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Aug. 18, 2025. The new Ethiopian Airlines Group headquarters building, which is under construction in Addis Ababa, has topped out, marking completion of its main structural works. The topping-out ceremony of the 45-meter-high structure was held on Monday, attended by representatives from the Ethiopian Airlines Group and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). (Xinhua/Han Xu)

ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- The new Ethiopian Airlines Group headquarters building, which is under construction in Addis Ababa, the East African country's capital, has topped out, marking completion of its main structural works.

The topping-out ceremony of the 45-meter-high structure was held on Monday, attended by representatives from the Ethiopian Airlines Group and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

Mesfin Tasew, chief executive officer (CEO) of Ethiopian Airlines Group, expressed confidence that the project will be completed on schedule, meeting the long-awaited desire of the airline.

"We want this headquarters to be completed as soon as possible. It is our expectation that this headquarters will be completed with the highest level of quality," said Tasew.

Built by the CCECC on a total land area of over 33,560 square meters, the project consists of six different buildings with multiple facilities, including commercial, corporate, and customer services.

Noting that Chinese construction companies have successfully accomplished different projects for the airline, Tasew expressed confidence in the CCECC to deliver the project to the airline's satisfaction.

"Our decision to engage with CCECC shows our trust and confidence in the company to construct and deliver state-of-the-art facilities," the CEO reiterated.

Chen Sichang, general manager of CCECC, vowed to deliver the project on time and with top quality.

"Now, the main structure has been completed, our commitment to engineering excellence does not stop here. We pledge to our client and all stakeholders that we will continue to uphold our corporate motto of diligence, integrity, and perseverance," Chen said.

Launched on Aug. 30, 2023, the Ethiopian Airlines Group headquarters building project is set to be completed in August 2026.

Recently, Ethiopian Airlines, the flagship carrier of Ethiopia, has launched the construction of a new mega airport near Bishoftu town, about 42 km east of Addis Ababa. During the topping-out ceremony, the CEO invited CCECC to participate in the construction of the new mega airport.

Photo taken on Aug. 18, 2025 shows a topping-out ceremony of the new Ethiopian Airlines Group headquarters building in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The new Ethiopian Airlines Group headquarters building, which is under construction in Addis Ababa, has topped out, marking completion of its main structural works. The topping-out ceremony of the 45-meter-high structure was held on Monday, attended by representatives from the Ethiopian Airlines Group and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Photo taken on Aug. 18, 2025 shows a view of the new Ethiopian Airlines Group headquarters building in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The new Ethiopian Airlines Group headquarters building, which is under construction in Addis Ababa, has topped out, marking completion of its main structural works. The topping-out ceremony of the 45-meter-high structure was held on Monday, attended by representatives from the Ethiopian Airlines Group and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Photo taken on Aug. 18, 2025 shows a view of the new Ethiopian Airlines Group headquarters building in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The new Ethiopian Airlines Group headquarters building, which is under construction in Addis Ababa, has topped out, marking completion of its main structural works. The topping-out ceremony of the 45-meter-high structure was held on Monday, attended by representatives from the Ethiopian Airlines Group and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Photo taken on Aug. 18, 2025 shows a scene during a topping-out ceremony of the new Ethiopian Airlines Group headquarters building in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The new Ethiopian Airlines Group headquarters building, which is under construction in Addis Ababa, has topped out, marking completion of its main structural works. The topping-out ceremony of the 45-meter-high structure was held on Monday, attended by representatives from the Ethiopian Airlines Group and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)