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Ethiopian Airlines Wins Friends and Influences People Worldwide by Jerry W. Bird How many of our under 30 generation have read his books, or even know about Dale Carnegie, I could never guess. Yet this one man's simple concepts have changed millions of lives dramatically and positively for generations, not just in North America, but around the world. In my opinion everyone should read at least one of his inspiring books. Like Napoleon Hill, another author who has inspired folks around the world, he leads by example. The management at Ethiopian Airlines has the type of action-based thinking and 'hands on' approach Carnegie talks about on every page of his best seller, "How to Win Friends and Influence People." Speaking of winning friends, the way our group of 11 journalists was catered to during a Tourism Ministry sponsored flight from the USA to Addis Ababa -- and around the country on its regional routes, left its mark indelibly on each of us. Following the Historic Route Tour to Lalibela, Gondar, Bahir Dar and Lake Tana, I had the opportunity of visiting and working at the company's head office for several days, laying the foundation for our first Ethiopia edition of Africa Travel Magazine. That was when I experienced the "Spirit of Ethiopian Airlines" first hand. Now I won't pretend to be a complete stranger to the airline; a friend at ATA, Hagos Legesse of New York, made me a gift that I have treasured ever since. Born in Ethiopia, Mr. Legesse is a well respected travel consultant and an ATA Director. This timely gift was a deluxe coffee table edition of "Bringing Africa Together," a book that tells the story of humble beginnings, followed by the rise of Ethiopian Airlines to world status, through decades of trials and tribulations, peace and war. The recent addition of direct flights to Addis Ababa from Washington, DC and New York/ Newark, is the latest feather in the airline's cap. If all of this tender loving care (TLC) I spoke of wasn't enough, on our return flight I was presented with a beautiful silk necktie compliments of the airline. I've worn it with pride at every opportunity ever since. This colorful piece of wearable art bears a replica of a classic stained glass window that adorns the United Nations Conference Center in Addis Ababa. The design is by the artist Tekle (see his profile in this issue). Having pioneered a mighty "Air Bridge to Africa," Ethiopian Airlines now flies to more African destinations than any carrier in the world. See the above map above for a quick idea of its routes to and from the continents. From what myself and colleagues have experienced in my first return flight, I am sure that Ethiopian Airlines will continue to influence people and win friends for generations to come. Jerry W. Bird is President of ATA Canada Chapter, Editor and Publisher of Africa Travel Magazine, and Webmaster for the ATA site www.africa-ata.org. He is also Publisher of Air Highways Magazine, the Journal of Open Skies www.airhighways.com , featuring aviation, tourism, transportation and business worldwide. His career began with the Edmonton Journal Daily Newspaper, and expanded into the full spectrum of media - radio, television, magazines and Internet. He has won international awards for creativity in audio visual and print production.