ISLAMABAD – Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is preparing for a leadership change, with former Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Tewolde Gebremariam expected to become the airline’s new CEO.
As official announcement is yet to be made, sources confirmed that his appointment is awaiting the completion of mandatory security clearances. The expected appointment comes at a defining moment for the national carrier as it embarks on an ambitious revival after privatization.
Tewolde Gebremariam
Gebremariam’s journey in aviation spans nearly four decades. He joined Ethiopian Airlines in 80s as a traffic officer and steadily climbed through the organization’s ranks, holding key positions in cargo operations, regional management, marketing and sales before serving as Chief Operating Officer.
His long experience within the airline eventually led to his appointment as Group Chief Executive Officer in 2011. He holds MBA from the Open University in UK, and has also received an honorary doctorate from Addis Ababa University in recognition of his contributions to aviation and business leadership.
During his 11-year tenure as CEO from 2011 to 2022, Tewolde oversaw one of the most remarkable growth stories in global aviation. Under his leadership, Ethiopian Airlines expanded from a regional airline into Africa’s largest and most successful carrier. Annual revenue increased from around US$1 billion to US$4.5 billion, while the airline’s fleet grew from 33 aircraft to approximately 130. Passenger traffic also witnessed dramatic growth, exceeding 12 million passengers annually before the COVID-19 pandemic.
His tenure was marked by aviation’s toughest challenges but he successfully guided Ethiopian Airlines through the aftermath of the tragic Flight 302 crash in 2019 and later steered the airline through the unprecedented disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. His handling of both crises earned him widespread recognition for his leadership and resilience.
Beyond Ethiopian Airlines, Tewolde has held several influential international positions. He has served as a member of the United Nations High-Level Advisory Group on Sustainable Transport, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Board of Governors, and numerous African and Ethiopian corporate boards.
His achievements have earned him multiple international awards, including African CEO of the Year and several Airline Strategy Awards. He currently serves as Senior Strategic Advisor at Delta Air Lines while also leading his own consultancy, TGM Advisory Services LLC.
Why PIA Pick Him?
Tewolde’s track record of transforming Ethiopian Airlines makes him an ideal candidate to lead PIA’s revival. His expected appointment comes shortly after Pakistan completed the first phase of PIA’s privatization, transferring management control of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL) to a consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation.
The consortium has already begun investing heavily in the airline’s future. During the first closing of the privatization agreement, it paid Rs10 billion to the government as sale proceeds and injected Rs80 billion in fresh equity to strengthen the airline’s finances. The investment is intended to modernize and expand PIA’s fleet, increase domestic and international routes, improve operational efficiency and enhance customer service as the airline seeks to regain its competitive position.
For decades, PIA was considered one of Asia’s premier airlines before years of financial challenges and operational decline eroded its standing. With fresh private investment, a new ownership structure and the expected arrival of Tewolde Gebremariam, the airline is preparing for its most ambitious turnaround in decades.
