Ethiopian Airlines’ Group CEO Honored with AviaDev Award for Outstanding Contribution to African Aviation
Addis Ababa, 13 June 2025
Ethiopian Airlines is proud to announce that its Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, has been honored with the prestigious Ato Girma Wake Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding contribution to route development and African aviation. The award has been presented to Mr. Mesfin during the grand AviaDev Africa 2025 ceremony that gathered over 500 high profile delegates from across Africa and beyond in Zanzibar.
This distinguished recognition celebrates Mr. Mesfin’s years of exceptional contribution, and continuing impact on the airline’s success. It also highlights Mr. Mesfin’s commendable leadership that is making a change beyond Ethiopian Airlines.
Expressing his gratitude Mr. Mesfin said, “The joy I feel for receiving the Ato Girma Wake Lifetime Achievement Award is twofold. This award is more than an honor as it is named after Africa’s father of aviation, Ethiopian Airlines’ former CEO and my mentor.” He added, “This award is a testament to the collaborative effort of the entire Ethiopian Airlines’ team. As a Pan-African airline we strive to realize a well-connected Africa and such recognitions strengthens our commitment to do more. Taking this opportunity, I would like to reaffirm my personal and Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to the enhancement of the aviation industry in the continent.”
Under Mr. Mesfin’s visionary guidance, Ethiopian Airlines has established itself as a prominent airline group in the aviation sector by attaining significant milestones, setting industry standards for excellence, and reaffirming its commitment to connecting cultures and fostering international collaboration.
Named in the honour of Mr. Girma Wake, the father of African aviation, the Ato Girma Wake Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made a profound and lasting impact on the advancement of aviation across the continent.
AviaDev, the premier aviation route development event for Africa sets the stage to strengthen connections between aviation stakeholders, bringing together airports, airlines, tourism authorities, governments, and industry suppliers.
About Ethiopian
Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is a true African success story, transforming a visionary dream into a globally renowned reality for nearly eight decades. Operating flights to more than 160 domestic and international passenger, and cargo destinations across five continents, Ethiopian bridges the gaps between Africa and the world. Emphasizing passenger comfort and environmental sustainability, Ethiopian utilizes ultra-modern aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900, A350-1000 and De Havilland Q400.
Ethiopian, the Star Alliance member airline, champions in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for seven consecutive years, APEX ‘Best Overall in Africa’ award and ‘Leadership in Connecting Africa through Transport’ Award among others. Ethiopian aims to further excel in its success through a strategic plan dubbed ‘Vision 2035’ and become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world. Embracing a Pan-African spirit, Ethiopian is pursuing multi-hub strategy through hubs in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines, in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways, and in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with Air Congo.
For more information, visit our website at www.ethiopianairlines.com email us at CorporateCommunication@ethiopianairlines.com , or call us at (251-11)517-8913/8165/8907.
