Ethiopian Airlines has signed a technical support pact with fellow African operator RwandAir.

The two sides have given little detail about the agreement but RwandAir says "it was imperative" to explore a partnership with Ethiopian, given that the Addis Ababa-based carrier has been a "pioneer" maintenance provider.

RwandAir operates types including the Boeing 737, as well as Bombardier CRJ regional jets and turboprops. Ethiopian's facilities are capable of handling Boeing and Bombardier types.

Ethiopian chief executive Tewolde Gebremariam says: "It is only by harnessing our resources and capabilities in Africa and establishing all-round co-operation including [maintenance], commercial and training areas that we will be able to withstand the stiff competition from foreign carriers."

Source: Cirium Dashboard