Ethiopian CEO Wins African Business Leader of the Year Award - 18 December, 2012

Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Tewolde Gebremariam, won the "African Business Leader of the Year" award from the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) on December 12, 2012 in a gala dinner held in Washington D.C. in the presence of more than 300 US and African Business leaders, Ambassadors and US government officials. CCA is the premier American organization devoted to U.S.-Africa business relations and includes, as members, more than 180 companies, which represent nearly 85 percent of total U.S. private sector investments in Africa. It was established in 1993 and is at the forefront of strengthening and facilitating business relationships between the United States and Africa.

CEO Tewolde was given the award for making Ethiopian the best run airline in Africa, while at the same time turning it into a true international carrier. He was also recognized for his support of US-Africa trade as evidenced not only by the nature of Ethiopian Airlines’ business, but by being the first carrier on the continent to buy the most advanced airliner, the B787-Dreamliner.CEO Tewolde was honored during the award ceremony along with three other Africans, who have shown exceptional leadership in business. "I am honored by this award. This and the recent awards Ethiopian has been receiving are recognitions of the important role our airline is playing in Africa.

Ethiopian is providing the air connectivity that is critical for fostering increased investment and trade flows to the continent. This award is, first and foremost, a tribute to the competence and hard work of all Ethiopian employees. It encourages us to work even harder to achieve the objectives in our Vision 2025 and to serve our beloved continent with greater commitment and dedication," said Tewolde.

Ethiopian is in the third year of implementation of its 15-year strategic roadmap, Vision 2025, which will see it become the leading aviation group in Africa with seven profit centers grossing total revenue of 10 billion dollars by 2025. About Ethiopian Ethiopian Airlines, the fastest growing airline in Africa, made its maiden international flight to Cairo in 1946 and now the Airline provides dependable services to 70 international destinations spanning four continents. Ethiopian is proud to be a Star Alliance Member. The Star Alliance network is the leading global airline network offering customers convenient worldwide reach and a smoother travel experience. The Star Alliance network offers more than 21,555 daily flights to 1,356 airports in 193 countries.

Ethiopian is a multi-award winner for its commitment and contributions towards the development and growth of the African aviation industry and in recognition of its distinguished long-haul operations enhanced by the introduction of new routes and products. Recently, Ethiopian won gold in the African Airline of the Year 2011/2012 Awards organized by the African Aviation News Portal. Ethiopian also received the 2011 AFRAA award for being consistently profitable over the years and has won the "AFRICAN CARGO AIRLINE OF THE YEAR 2011 Award" for its excellence in air cargo.Ethiopian also won the 2012 "African Airline of the Year Award" from Air Transport Quarterly Magazine. With its acquisition of and firm orders for several new modern fleet, the airline is well positioned to pursue aggressively the implementation of its Vision 2025 strategic plan to become the leading aviation group in Africa.