Ethiopian Airlines Faces Backlash Over Authorized Photo Shoot Controversy

A Letter Emerges Showing Ethiopian Airlines Permitted the Artist’s Photo Shoot Inside Its Premises

A letter has surfaced indicating that the photo shoot conducted inside Ethiopian Airlines' premises, which was previously claimed to have been done "without the institution's management approval," was, in fact, authorized.

The letter, addressed to the Director General of Civil Aviation Security by Ato Girum Abebe, Director of Ethiopian Airlines' Addis Ababa Sales Department, dated Tahsas 25, 2017 (Ethiopian Calendar), reveals that artist Mihret Tadesse was requested to conduct a photo program within the airline's premises.

The letter further states that the photo program would benefit the airline's advertising efforts and requests permission for the artist to enter the premises on Tahsas 27, 2017, to take photos.

Although the photo program was conducted with the institution's approval, Ethiopian Airlines stated on its Facebook page yesterday, "The individual's photo shoot inside the airline's premises was conducted without the management's approval," sparking controversy.

The airline had previously issued a statement claiming it was "unaware" of the photo program, but Dagu Journal learned from its sources that the artist did not conduct the shoot without permission.

Additionally, while the artist clarified on her social media page that the photo program was a private birthday event, it remains unclear how this would benefit the airline's advertising.

The institution, in its statement, clarified that it did not receive payment from the artist and that no contract was involved.

Many social media users raised concerns about the incident, questioning its implications for aviation security. Others asked under what criteria an individual could decorate an airplane, which requires high security, for a private birthday celebration. On the other hand, some argued that the incident served as good publicity for the airline.