Memmingen (GE) / Addis Ababa (ET), 11th July 2018 – ACM Aircraft Cabin Modification GmbH is entering into a manufacture and supply partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline. In future, seat covers, seat belts and carpets will be manufactured in Ethiopia in accordance with EASA European aviation quality standards and supplied to the ACM production line.

ACM Aircraft Cabin Modification GmbH is entering into a production and supply partnership with Ethiopian Airlines for the manufacture of seat covers, seat belts, carpets and other cabin equipment. “We are pleased to be entering into a strong partnership with the Ethiopian Airlines Group and expanding with cabin equipment made in Ethiopia. In doing this, we are also supporting the country’s development programme. I am extremely proud to be cooperating at a high quality level with Africa’s largest airline. I am certain that this represents a major step forwards,” said delighted ACM Managing Partner Arash Noshari.

One hundred new jobs
The new production facility in Ethiopia will naturally meet the strict requirements of the EASA European aviation authorities. Over 100 new jobs will be created in the process. “We are therefore not only creating over 100 new jobs in Ethiopia, but also transferring expertise in order to certify the local employees or rather, the new production facility, in accordance with European standards. As a consequence, this is the first time that ACM is also acting as a training organisation,” explains Roger Hohl, Managing Director of ACM.

Initially, the cabin equipment will be manufactured with imported raw materials. The objective, however, is to certify leather and materials made in Ethiopia for the demanding production process in the near future and, subsequently, continue to build up and develop the country’s textile and leather industry. “In accordance with our government’s industrialisation policy, we are working together with aircraft manufacturers and suppliers to the aerospace industry in order to be able to develop a wide range of products for the aerospace industry. The partnership with ACM Aerospace is a huge milestone for us in this respect,” explains Tewolde GebreMariam, CEO of the Ethiopian Airlines Group.

Renowned clientele
Thanks to its long-standing experience, internal quality management, and safety team, ACM counts both small aircraft manufacturers and the largest global airlines among its clientele. The corporate group has various international locations such as Memmingen, Dubai, Toulouse, St. Nazaire and Bangalore. Ethiopian Airlines, which currently owns 109 aircraft, is the largest airline in Africa and has around 7,100 employees. Ethiopian Airlines is a member of Star Alliance.