Krimson, the Ethiopia-based aviation services company, has won one of a first batch of new business aviation licenses to be issued by the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA). New permits have been created to encourage fair processing of flight permits and ground handling services by operators or agents, with the aim of improving local aviation industry standards to support the country’s vibrant and growing aviation sector.

The license is required for any business that handles any part of the flight support portfolio, including processing of landing permits, immigration, travel and hotel accommodation, and any other service that facilities aviation activity.

Krimson provided evidence to substantiate its professional experience, employee suitability, financial sustainability, active sector knowledge, and technical understanding of the norms required to operate in the civil aviation space. “Only a limited number of licenses have been made available to ensure that the holders consistently deliver the certified standards which are comparable to accepted ICAO service levels," said Krimson, which is based at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa.

“After four years of operations [this] demonstrates that we have the necessary competencies, internal knowledge, and professionalism to enable civil aviation in Ethiopia," said Krimson managing director and founder, Dawit Lemma. "Holding the license will give our growing international customer base continued confidence that they are working with an African company that has adopted international standards."

The company provides flight support, ground handling, charter brokerage, and other services within Ethiopia and throughout East Africa to commercial airlines, business aviation operators, trip planning companies, and others.

“We work with companies from all across the globe," he said, "but most recently have seen a dramatic increase in clients from the Middle East who are signing us up as their East African representative,” he said. “They recognize the value of working with a local company that understands the regulatory, cultural, and business nuances. It makes their operations more efficient and gives their passengers a better experience.”