- The annual program organized by Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing provides students with training, job shadowing, career talks and field visits to aviation facilities.
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, August 24, 2026 – Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing [NYSE: BA] have successfully concluded the fourth edition of their STEM School program, equipping grade 11 students with the skills and inspiration to pursue careers in aviation and engineering.
Running from July 13 to August 21 at the Ethiopian Aviation University, the six-week program provided participants — half of whom were young women — with over 300 hours of immersive learning. The initiative, which draws students from all regions of Ethiopia, combines rigorous classroom instruction with internships, mentorship sessions with Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing professionals and field visits to aviation facilities.
The curriculum blended digital skills, including coding, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR), with essential soft skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving. Leveraging the operational expertise of Africa’s largest airline, students gained firsthand exposure to Ethiopian Airlines’ cargo, maintenance, repair and overhaul and Ethiopian Aviation University facilities for hands-on learning.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said: “Working on youth education is a direct investment in Ethiopia’s future. This initiative prepares tomorrow’s leaders and creative thinkers by equipping them with the essential skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world. We are honored to see these talented young people succeed, and we are confident that they will play a vital role in shaping industries. We also thank Boeing for partnering with Ethiopian Airlines on such important initiatives.”
For students like Yoftahe Belete, an 18‑year‑old, the program opened doors to the industry: “We observed how airplanes are maintained, undergo multiple inspections, and how technicians take care of them.”
“At a time when Africa will need an estimated 75,000 new aviation professionals over the next 20 years, Ethiopia’s rapid expansion of fleet, network and infrastructure is setting the pace,” said Henok Teferra Shawl, Boeing managing director for Africa. “Through our STEM School with Ethiopian Airlines, we are building a connected community of future leaders ready to write the next chapter of aviation growth in Ethiopia and across the continent.”
Alumni engagement is a program staple: participants from prior cohorts return each year to share knowledge and foster peer support.
The STEM School extended beyond the classroom with educational visits to the National Palace Museum, the Addis Ababa Science and Technology University and the Ethiopia Science Museum. At the Science Museum, students interacted with a permanent aerospace exhibit featuring a Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight simulator, a replica of the Starliner spacecraft and detailed models of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the International Space Station’s Cupola module.
Delivered annually since 2023, the STEM School has now empowered more than 100 Ethiopian students, including 28 young people in 2026. The program is held in close coordination with the Ethiopian Ministry of Education, ensuring a transparent selection process and alignment with the nation’s priorities in science and technology education.
About Ethiopian
Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is a true African success story, transforming a visionary dream into a globally renowned reality for nearly eight decades. Operating flights to more than 160 domestic and international passenger, and cargo destinations across five continents, Ethiopian bridges the gaps between Africa and the world. Emphasizing passenger comfort and environmental sustainability, Ethiopian utilizes ultra-modern aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900, A350-1000 and De Havilland Q400.
Ethiopian, the Star Alliance member airline, champions in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for eight consecutive years, APEX ‘Best Overall in Africa’ award and ‘Leadership in Connecting Africa through Transport’ Award among others. Ethiopian aims to further excel in its success through a strategic plan dubbed ‘Vision 2035’ and become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world. Embracing a Pan-African spirit, Ethiopian is pursuing multi-hub strategy through hubs in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines, in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways, and in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with Air Congo.
Learn more: www.ethiopianairlines.com
About Boeing Africa
A leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing has supported Africa’s aviation sector for over seven decades. Boeing has offices in Ethiopia and South Africa and field service representatives working with airlines across the continent. Over the last ten years, Boeing has invested $14.5 million in partnerships with universities and non-profits in Africa. More than 58,500 people have participated in Boeing-supported STEM and workforce development programs across the continent over the last five years. Learn more: https://www.boeing.africa
Source: Boeing