Legal Implications Being Assessed
Ethiopian Airlines has taken administrative action regarding an unauthorized video shoot by artist Piplone within its premises. The airline’s legal department is currently reviewing the situation to determine if there are grounds for legal proceedings.
According to Ethiopian Airlines’ CEO Mesfin Tasew and Chief Commercial Officer Lemma Yadecha, the incident came to light during a press briefing held at the airline’s headquarters on February 12, 2025. They clarified that while the airline had granted permission for promotional content creation within its premises under formal procedures, the specific video in question did not follow the required process.
Administrative Measures Taken
It was revealed that employees from the Addis Ababa sales office, who were involved in granting permission for the shoot, are facing administrative action. The airline’s executive team was reportedly unaware of the video production until after its release.
The officials emphasized that Ethiopian Airlines follows strict procedures for granting access to its premises for photography and videography. Typically, such approvals come through either the public relations or the promotional and marketing departments. However, in this case, the request was directed to the Addis Ababa sales office, bypassing the usual channels.
Legal and Internal Investigations Underway
Addressing concerns regarding potential legal repercussions, CEO Mesfin stated:
“If our legal team determines that there are legal grounds for pursuing action, we will proceed accordingly.”
He also acknowledged internal procedural lapses, stating that necessary corrective measures are being taken, both administratively and operationally, to prevent similar incidents in the future. Ethiopian Airlines has already initiated an internal audit to investigate how the approval was granted and has taken disciplinary action against those involved.
Unauthorized Use of Airline Premises
The video, filmed in a restricted maintenance area, was allegedly shot with permission obtained through unofficial channels. A request was submitted to the Addis Ababa sales office on December 6, 2024, and approval was granted two days later without involvement from the appropriate departments.
Although the request cited “promoting Ethiopian Airlines and Ethiopian tourism,” no official approval was provided for the actual content before it was released. According to internal sources, neither images nor videos were shared with the airline prior to publication.
Ethiopian Airlines’ Commitment to Security and Compliance
The airline emphasized its commitment to maintaining its operational and security standards. In response to this incident, the management is reinforcing its internal approval procedures to prevent unauthorized content creation within its facilities.
CEO Mesfin concluded by stating:
“The issue arose due to internal procedural gaps. We have taken and will continue taking administrative actions. Ethiopian Airlines leadership is addressing this matter seriously. Those responsible will face disciplinary measures, and we are working to establish stronger controls to prevent future occurrences.”
This incident has highlighted the importance of stringent internal processes and the necessity of clear communication between departments to ensure compliance with Ethiopian Airlines’ policies.
