Ethiopian Airlines plans to launch its first direct flights to Australia, likely starting with Melbourne. The airline aims to connect Africa and Oceania, tapping into growing travel demand. However, regulatory delays and long-haul aircraft procurement challenges may slow progress. The A350 and 787 Dreamliner fleets are under consideration. With feeder traffic from African cities and strategic positioning via Addis Ababa, the airline hopes to compete with Gulf carriers and boost intercontinental travel.