MAPUTO, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian Airlines said on Friday in Maputo it will start domestic operation in Mozambique from December, reaching eight cities in the first phase.

In a press release, the biggest airline in Africa by fleet size said the eight Mozambican cities are: the capital Maputo, the central Tete, Manica, Beira, Chimoio, Quelimane, and the northern Nampula, the port city of Nacala.

The flights will be operated by the company's newly created branch Ethiopian Mozambique Airlines, the third airline in Mozambique following the national LAM Mozambique Airlines, and FastJet, the statement said.

Ethiopian Airlines' entrance into Mozambican territory is part of the company's 2025 vision to increase the connectivity throughout Africa, transforming the socioeconomic conditions of the continent.

"Ethiopian Mozambique Airlines is an example of Africans united that will support economic development and allow the continent to win a better slice in the travelling market from inside Africa, presently dominated by non-African companies," read the release.

Redi Yesuf, CEO of the new branch, said Mozambique is geographically large so it deserves strong connectivity options in addition to road travelling.

"We will gradually introduce three hubs in the north, south and central regions of the country, offering unmatched flying experience to travelers," said Yesuf.