Weddings are more than tying the knot or sometimes more than the marriage. For many people, it is seen as a special day when they try to make it as memorable as they can.
It is more than living together in one shelter for some couples who are actually eager about the ceremony.
Weddings have their own rituals and in Ethiopia and, in the context of urbanization many of the rituals are modified and urban elements are added to it.
For many of the urban dwellers, having a lot of cars in a motorcade in streets while honking the horns are part of the new trend of weddings. In the past the Mercedes Benzes were the ones that were seen moving around the city but now it is being replaced by luxury limousines.
Three months ago a new phenomenon was witnessed; a wedding was celebrated in a helicopter owned by the National Airways.
The helicopter wedding was tried only one time but has been the talk of the town. For Captain Abera Lemi, founder and general manager of National Airways, it is a unique phenomenon which is exciting.
The bride and groom actually went to Bole International Airport attired in a suit and bride’s gown. Captain Abera did not hide the fact that passengers were surprised to see a bride and groom coming to the airport.
They had a moment with the passengers and had a colorful farewell until they got into the helicopter.
“It was even refreshing for the passengers. A unique scene,” Captain Abera told The Reporter.
The groom came from Canada and his first plan was to have his wedding ceremony at Radisson Blu with 1,000 guests. The cost was getting high and when the helicopter idea came he actually changed his plan and decided to use National Airways and go to Langano’s African Vacation Club.
Families, friends and invited guests of the couples went to Langano om a rented Selam bus. The best men and the bridesmaids and the couples used the helicopter to fly while enjoying the ride for 35 minutes.
According to Captain Abera, the scene sounded like a movie. When they reached there, their aircraft hovered around Langano with the newlyweds waving their hands and making the landing a memorable one. The family and guests did not know that they were comingi a helicopter. They were expecting a limousine to arrive. Instead, they heard the hum of a helicopter which was a surprise.
For Captain Abera it was one of the most unforgettable moments. The actual ceremony was next to the beach wirh the candles lighting giving the water a different light.
“Many people assume only movie actors can do this but it is also possible for ordinary citizens,” Captain Abera says.
They paid 60,000 birr for the ride and the helicopter stayed there during the night and took them back in the morning.
“Usually people fall for the routine and do not try new things. But I believe this is a new thing which should be adapted. It is refreshing and an interesting experience,” Captain Abera says.
According to Captain Abera, the cost of renting a limousine is very high and having the ceremony in a hall is a cliché.
After that, people started talking about it and are asking about the service.
They did not promote the service since he believes that the job will promote itself. “Word of mouth is better than promoting it in the media,” Captain Abera says.
National airways started three years ago with the former name Air Ethiopia. They have one helicopter and two fixed wing airplanes in which they also give services for people who want VIP treatment.
Apart from that they also give medical evacuation service and serve as an air ambulance.
They started this service a couple of months ago. The plane has an intensive care unit and has a doctor from South Africa and is also planning to train doctors who can be able to work in the air ambulance.
He says it is one of the pertinent service especially related to tourists and emergency services adding that many tourists have died on the road because they were in obscure situations and could not get any emergency service.
WRITTEN BY TIBEBESELASSIE TIGABU
thereporterethiopia.com
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