The carrier’s new insurance called ‘Sheba Comfort’ covers COVID-19 related medical expenses, repatriation and quarantine costs. The coverage is available from October 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020 and is applicable on international flights booked with Ethiopian.
On Thursday (October 1, 2020), Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest aviation group, announced new complimentary COVID-19 insurance coverage for international flights. The carrier’s new global insurance is called ‘Sheba Comfort’ and covers COVID-19 related medical expenses and well as repatriation, evacuation and quarantine expensed. Medical expenses are covered up to €100,000 if a guest is diagnosed with COVID-19 while traveling and quarantine costs of up to €150/day for quarantine expenses up to 14 days. Sheba Comfort also includes evacuation and repatriation services and 24/7 guest assistance via the carrier’s hotline. Commenting on Thursday’s announcement, Ethiopian Group’s CEO, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, said,
“We are glad to be among the pioneer global airlines to introduce this extra security measure and provide global cover for COVID-19 with a view to boost passengers’ confidence. Our Sheba Comfort insurance scheme is part of the measures we have been taking to ensure the health and wellbeing of passengers on the ground and onboard. As the travel safety continues to evolve by the day, we will always be at the forefront of adopting all necessary changes to ensure the safety of our passengers as our top priority.”
Ethiopian’s Sheba Care program is introduced in collaboration with AXA Partner and Awash Insurance Company and remains valid for 92 days for roundtrip bookings and 31 days for one-way trips. Recently, Ethiopian Airlines unveiled a new ultra-modern terminal which includes enhanced biosecurity and biosafety measures.
Ethiopian Airlines has been in business for over 70 years and is the fastest growing airline in Africa. The carrier commands the largest share of Pan-African passenger and cargo service and operates one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the world. Ethiopian serves 127 destinations across five continents with ultra-modern fuel efficient aircraft including Airbus A350s, Boeing 787-8/9 Dreamliners, Boeing 777-300ERs, Boeing 777-200LRs, Boeing 777-200 Freighters and De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400s. The airline’s fleet has an average age of five years and Ethiopian was the first African carrier to operate the previously mentioned aircraft types.
Ethiopian Airlines is implementing a strategic plan called ‘Vision 2025’ which envisions the carrier becoming the leading aviation group in Africa with six business centers including Ethiopian International Services, Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services, Ethiopian MRO Services, Ethiopian Aviation Academy, Ethiopian ADD Hub Ground Services and Ethiopian Airports Services. The award-winning airline has reported an average annual growth of around 25 percent over the past seven years.
Source: Ethiopian Airlines