The long awaited sweet flight home.
March 7/2003

I am finally able to tell all friends and supporters of the project that we have finally reached the last stage in our efforts to bring Eritrean Airlines into existence.
This effort has been the recipient of the selfless contribuition of many Eritreans from various walks of life. For this we are all grateful.
The airplane is getting ready for Test flight. The original date was for the Test Flight to take place on the 10th of March but due to unforseen circumstances it now rescheduled for the 13th of March.

We are still aiming for a 21st of March departure and an entry into service on the 28th of March. Those of you who would like a ride on the maiden flight home please contact the Eritrean travel agents in your area or contact Omerga Travels at 206 367 2200,  Tekie G.Meskel 301 270 6020,  Asefaw Redai at 703 486 1600, or Asefaw Tecle in Houston 281 772 8066, Freweini Belai Ghile 416 485 6387.
Be ready to give passport and other details to them for registration.

The Flight Crew have arrived at San Antonio and the count down has begun.
We are at an advanced stage for the negotiation of the next Airplane. We frimly believe that the second plane will be in Asmara on June 1 2003.
We are still struggling with many issues, but we know why we need an Airline, and the steps we need to create a healthy Aviation industry. We know there are many of you who can help and that you will come to us with offers of help once we start the ball rolling.
You are all welcome- We know that there are brillinant Eritrean throughout the world who can take the Aviation Industry to a new level. These individuals are not necessarily from the Aviation Industry but can come from any field of expertise. What are needed are people with trained minds- minds trained in Management- Tourism- Engineering the Information Technilogy and the like.
Steps are being taken to create an aviation work force of the highest standard  within two years,- sixty graduates from the Technical Schools will join our Maintenance  training programe,and ten student Pilots will join the Pilot training school. We have the syllabus, the know how and the teaching materials for this project on hand.
That is why those of you with training in other fields will be of great help to us because at some point in the very near future it will be necessary for the industry to have highly trained minds from other fields as well.
Therefore what we are doing so far is build the foundationa and create the expertise ncessary- to accomodate the enormous contribuition expected from other Eritrean professionals from other fields. Please  contact me to find out how we can help induct you into the industry and how you can prepare for it.

The birth of Eritrean Airlines has significance beyond the mere movement of goods and people. It is the symbol of our new bridge in the sky.
A bridge that will facilitate our contact and association with the whole world, because as a Nation schooled in hardship and suffering we have values of compassion and sacrifice that will benfeit mankind and we will use this bridge of fiendship to reach them.


I appologize that we were not able to give you sufficient advance information about our progress in the formation of the Airline but the project kept making turns and at some point we were not sure how it was going to go. All we knew was that we were determined to bring the Airline into existence and all other issues were dealt with as they confronted us.

I look forward to seeing you on Board on or about the 21st of March. The latest date is about the 25th of March. This is because we have decided to make some changes in the plane and this might take more time than anticipated. We are still hopeful to make the 21st of March.

With all best wishes!

Asress Araia ( Captain)