Former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines assumes leadership role
at Pakistan’s PIA
Former Ethiopian Airlines Chief
Executive Officer Tewolde
Gebremariams has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan
International Airlines (PIA), marking a significant leadership transition as
the carrier begins a new phase under private ownership.
The appointment follows PIA's
privatization, with ownership recently transferred from the Pakistani
government to a consortium led by the Arif Habib Group, one of Pakistan's
leading business conglomerates.
Tewolde brings nearly four decades
of aviation experience to the role. He joined Ethiopian Airlines as a traffic
officer in the 1980s and steadily rose through the organization's ranks,
leading regional operations in India, Saudi Arabia, and North America before
being appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2006. In 2011, he succeeded Girma
Wake as Chief Executive Officer.
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During his tenure, Ethiopian
Airlines underwent a period of remarkable expansion. Annual revenue increased
fourfold to approximately USD 4.5 billion, while the airline's fleet grew to
more than 130 aircraft. The carrier also became Africa's largest air cargo
operator, expanded its international network, launched the Ethiopian Skylight
Hotel in Addis Ababa, and strengthened its global presence through membership
in the Star Alliance network.
Tewolde retired from Ethiopian
Airlines in March 2022, citing personal health reasons. He was succeeded by
Mesfin Tasew, who is expected to step down later this year.
His appointment comes as PIA seeks
to rebuild its operations after years of financial losses, governance
challenges, and regulatory setbacks. The airline's reputation suffered
significantly following the May 2020 crash of Flight PK8303, which claimed 97
lives and was attributed to human error and failures to follow standard
operating procedures.
Later that year, Pakistan's aviation
authorities disclosed that nearly one-third of the country's commercial pilots
held questionable or improperly obtained licenses. The revelations led to PIA's
suspension from European airspace and disrupted its international operations.
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PIA's privatization concluded in
December 2025 when a consortium led by the Arif Habib Group acquired a 75
percent stake in the airline for USD 482 million. The consortium subsequently
purchased the remaining 25 percent, assuming full ownership of the national
carrier.
As of early 2026, PIA operated a
fleet of 35 aircraft, including 20 Airbus A320-200s. Under Tewolde's
leadership, the airline aims to expand its fleet to 65 aircraft, restore
profitability, and strengthen its position in regional and international
markets.
Source: www.thereporterethiopia.com