Government has finally agreed with Ethiopian Airlines to begin operations in a strategic partnership to run the country’s new airline named Malawian Airlines Limited.

Chief Executive Officer for the Public Private Partnership Mr. Jimmy Lipunga has announced at a press conference in Blantyre that Malawi will have 51 percent of the shares in the new company, with Ethiopian Airlines getting the remaining 49.

He added that of the 51 percent Malawi’s shareholding, 31 will be given out to interested Malawians to be part of the company.

Together Malawi government and Ethiopian Airlines will make an initial 20 million US dollar investment which is about 7 billion kwacha into the new company.

Ethiopian airlines has also promised to bring in two new aircrafts for the new company.