It is a standard and routine procedure.

And the numbers keep rising.

No other flag carrier in Africa is moving such volumes or growing at the same pace.

Ethiopian: Africa’s largest, most profitable airline flies high with zero funding from government

As of February 2019, Ethiopian Airlines' fleet size had grown from 33 aircrafts in 2010 to a record 111 modern aircraft. Photo: Eedwin Ochieng'/Briefly.co.za.

One would wonder why he has never considered exiting the 74-year-old carrier.

For the Group CEO, it all boils down to being cost-conscious.

But they were wrong.

Ethiopian: Africa’s largest, most profitable airline flies high with zero funding from government

GebreMariam has worked with Ethiopian for a staggering 34 years and still counting. He served in different capacities and ascended the career ladder to become Group CEO. Photo: Edwin Ochieng'/TUKO.

The airline currently serves 118 international and 21 domestic destinations operating the newest and youngest fleet in the industry.

It has 373 rooms and a conference hall which can accommodate 2,500 guests at once.

And here is the main reason why this particular facility is important to the airline.

Ethiopian: Africa’s largest, most profitable airline flies high with zero funding from government

Ethiopian Airlines serves 118 international and 21 domestic destinations operating the newest fleet in the industry. Photo:Edwin Ochieng/Briefly.co.za.

Well, neither SAA nor KQ has made profit in the past seven consecutive years.

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What is their winning formula?

Fortunately, the airline has gradually been able to fly out of the human resource dilemma.

Ethiopian: Africa’s largest, most profitable airline flies high with zero funding from government

Ethiopian’s aircraft are maintained and repaired at the Bole International Airport where the airline also services airplanes from other African carriers. Photo: Edwin Ochieng/Briefly.co.za

The 16,000 Ethiopian employees are provided with free transport to and from work.

The airline has 40 big buses and more than 60 land cruisers dedicated to providing transport services to staff.

GebreMariam believes this is a wise move.

Ethiopian: Africa’s largest, most profitable airline flies high with zero funding from government

Ethiopian Skylight Hotel is the largest 5-star hotel in Ethiopia. It has 373 rooms and a conference hall which can accommodate 2500 guests at once.Photo:Edwin Ochieng'/TUKO.

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Ethiopian: Africa’s largest, most profitable airline flies high with zero funding from government

Since 2010, Ethiopian Airline’s number of employees has grown to more than 16,000. Most of them were trained at the Ethiopian Airlines’ Aviation Academy. Photo: Edwin Ochieng'/Briefly.co.za