Ethiopian Airlines Group is seeking to bolster its financial base through a paid‑up capital increase, Reporter newspaper reports. The move comes as the carrier continues to expand its regional and international operations, generating more than 7.6 billion US dollars in revenue in recent years.

The proposal was first approved internally by the airline’s board over two years ago and is now under review by Ethiopian Investment Holdings. Historically, Ethiopian Airlines has pursued similar initiatives. In 2023, the airline sought to increase its paid‑up capital from 100 billion birr to 300 billion birr. The latest fiscal year report for 2023/24 shows the airline’s paid‑up capital stands at approximately 263 billion birr, reflecting its continued scale-up over the past decade.

The proposal has been a focus during parliamentary budget reviews. The Government Development Affairs Standing Committee met with officials from Ethiopian Airlines and Investment Holdings to discuss the plan, emphasising the strategic importance of institutions that manage national assets and contribute significantly to foreign currency inflows.

Investment Holdings Deputy Chief Executive Officer Meleket Sahlu said that the review prioritises three elements: protecting existing assets, ensuring operational continuity, and fulfilling shareholder obligations, including dividends. Officials noted that the assessment also considers other institutional proposals, aiming for a sequencing that maximises financial and strategic outcomes for the government and the airline.