Ethiopian Eyes $281m Worth Boeing 737 MAX

Dec 24 , 2022


US EXIM (export-import) Bank has dolled out 281 million dollars in capital guarantees to finance the purchase of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft by the Ethiopian Airlines Group. The Bank supports the American economy by facilitating US exports through the provision of loan guarantees, export credit insurance and direct loans to buyers. Boeing employs nearly 140,000 people, mainly in the US and 65 international countries. Boeing had settled with the US Justice Department for 2.5 billion dollars in January 2021, paying most of the compensation to airlines following two fatal crashes of the 737 MAX planes in 2019. One was an Ethiopian Airlines flight that claimed the lives of 157 people. The company's stock evaluation had lost 40 billion dollars, close to 20pc of its value, following the crashes. The CEO of Boeing was let go in December of 2019 with a compensation payment of 62 million dollars despite not receiving severance pay. The Ministry of Transport & Logistics held a press briefing at the Skylight Hotel on December 23, expressing full agreement to the assessment of Boeing on the cause of the crash, putting it to rest. Ethiopian Airlines Group had requested raising its capital threefold to 558 million dollars to Ethiopian Investment Holdings back in October. The company also desired to expand its fleet to 271 by 2035.


Radar

Authority Enacts EV Charging Stations Directive

A new directive setting technical standards, licensing requirements, and safety measures for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations has been approved. Created by the Petroleum & Energy Authority (PEA), it aims to ensure the quality of energy supply and the safety of charging stations and accelerate the adoption of EVs. The directive outlines service provision regulations, including technical and safety standards as well as electricity tariff criteria. It divides public charging stations...


Radar

Fuel Prices Surge Following Subsidy Withdrawal

The Council of Ministers has authorised monthly reviews and adjustments to retail fuel prices, leading to a price hike on January 7. The increase affects gasoline, kerosene, white diesel, light black diesel, heavy black diesel, and jet fuel. Gasoline prices rose by 11.3pc to 101.47 Br a litre. White diesel and kerosene prices increased by 9.6pc, while light black diesel now costs 108.30 Br a litre, and heavy black diesel is priced at 105.97 Br. Long queues at fuel stations persisted until...


Radar

Wegagen Bank Expands into Diaspora Real Estate Market

Wegagen Bank has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Deluxe Properties to support diaspora communities in purchasing homes. The agreement was signed at Wegagen Bank's headquarters last week. Under the MoU, Wegagen Bank will provide financing to diaspora buyers of Deluxe Properties' homes. The bank offers loans covering up to 80pc of the property's cost, with repayment terms spread over 25 years. The Bank stated the initiative supports the National Bank of Ethiopia's (NBE) missi...