Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is one of the fastest-growing aviation company globally and the continent’s largest airline. In its seventy-eight years of successful operations, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success.
Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian’s fleet category consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900, Airbus A350-100 and De Havilland Q400. Ethiopian has established itself as a premier carrier in Africa, known for its efficiency and operational excellence.
The airline has expanded its network to more than 65 destinations across the continent, upgraded its fleet, and invested in cutting-edge cargo facilities. Ethiopian Airlines remains committed to its mission of connecting Africa with the global community, promoting economic integration, and enhancing the development of the aviation sector within the continent.
Ethiopian Airlines plays crucial role in promoting trade, tourism, and business opportunities throughout Africa. Through its innovative initiatives to expand transportation networks, the airline has become a key player in facilitating trade, tourism, and cultural exchange within the continent and beyond. The airline’s forward-thinking approach has solidified its status as a significant contributor to Africa’s economic integration and growth.
Today, The Ethiopian Herald’s guest is Mesfin Tasew, the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group. With 41 years of extensive experience in airline management and operations, specializing in aircraft maintenance and engineering, procurement, information technology, flight operations, capability development, capacity building, corporate strategy formulation, airline operations management, and corporate leadership.
He obtained a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the Open University in the United Kingdom, a Master of Science (MSc) in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Communications Engineering from Addis Ababa University, and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Electrical Engineering from the same institution.
Mesfin has played a pivotal role in planning and implementing strategies that have elevated the airline’s prominence in the African aviation sector and beyond. His responsibilities have included, but are not limited to, the comprehensive maintenance of the Ethiopian fleet, the development of capabilities and capacities, leading the automation initiative within the Maintenance and Engineering Division, and overseeing projects related to aircraft procurement.
Since 2021, Mesfin has served as the Chief Executive Officer of ASKY Airlines, guiding the airline with a strategy focused on profitable growth until his recent appointment. He held the position of Chief Operating Officer at Ethiopian Airlines from 2010 to 2021, where he effectively managed the airline’s operations in a cost-efficient manner by streamlining processes and enhancing internal resources to align with the airline’s growth objectives.
Additionally, he served as Vice President of Maintenance and Engineering from 2006 to 2010, Chief Information Officer from 1998 to 2006, Manager of Planning and Automation in the Maintenance and Engineering Division from 1995 to 1997, and as an Avionics Engineer and Supervisor of the Avionics Engineering Group from 1984 to 1994.
He has participated in numerous local and international seminars focused on the aviation industry and general leadership. His training includes leadership development, airline operations management, aviation regulations, and aircraft maintenance, among other areas. In 1984, Mesfin was honored with a gold medal from the Faculty of Technology at Addis Ababa University as the Outstanding Graduate of the Year.
Mesfin was recently honored with the prestigious “Leadership in Connecting Africa through Transport Award” at the Africa Prosperity Champions Awards. The accolade was presented during the Presidential Gala Dinner held on February 1, 2025, at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra, Ghana, as part of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2025.
In an interview with The Ethiopian Herald, he discussed the progress of development projects that make Ethiopia and Africa proud, as well as other points related to the airlines. Enjoy the read!
How are the preparations for the AU summit going on your end?
The African Union Heads of State and Government Summit is held annually in Addis Ababa. Heads of state and government, high-level officials, general managers of privately owned organizations, and banks arrive via Ethiopian Airlines to attend the meeting. This year, we anticipated a larger number of delegates compared to previous years, so we made thorough preparations. Firstly, a national-level organizing committee was established, with Ethiopian Airlines Group as an active member. As part of the organizing committee, we worked diligently to ensure that the services provided were of the highest quality, more convenient, and comfortable.
Our first priority was to provide proper care and excellent service for the participants of the 38th AU Summit from the moment they boarded our plane in their country of origin until they safely landed at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. We offered an integrated package, including breathtaking arrangements to provide excellent service for both VIPs and other passengers. Once they exit the airport, we were prepared to offer exceptional service at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, managed by Ethiopian Airlines. This hotel is a popular choice for many of our guests, and we have not received any complaints so far. This indicates that everything is going smoothly.
Ethiopian Airlines is a source of pride for Africa, with a vision of connecting the continent. How would you explain its efforts in terms of achieving this dream?
One of the main objectives of Ethiopian Airlines is to make Ethiopia the hub of air transport, conferences, and conventions, a tourism destination, and to expand trade and investment by providing comfortable transport for passengers. This has been a long-standing service that began with the inception of the airline, with a big objective to augment its service. We are making a greater effort and achieving various results. We will continue to strengthen this goal.
Ethiopian Airlines is working closely with the Ministry of Tourism to enhance the sector by promoting Ethiopia’s tourism potential. We provide quality air service to bring visitors to Ethiopia, offering world-class flight service to Addis Ababa and satisfactory service on our domestic flights connecting them to tourist destinations. We are actively participating in making Addis Ababa a tourism hub with a new convention and conference center built by the city administration.
The country has welcomed a large number of heads of state, government officials, and delegates for the 38th African Union Summit. For example, more than 300 delegates came from South Africa alone. When we say Ethiopia is a source of pride for Africa, what does that imply?
When we say Ethiopian Airlines is a source of pride for Africa, it should bring joy to all of us. One of the many things that Ethiopians take pride in is Ethiopian Airlines. There is no doubt about that. The airline has received numerous accolades from international organizations, including a recent special award in Accra, Ghana, for our efforts in connecting Africa.
I am deeply honored to receive the award on behalf of the current and previous visionary leaders of Ethiopian Airlines. It is also a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Ethiopian Airlines team. Our mission has always been to connect Africa and facilitate economic growth through seamless air transport. This award motivates us to continue our efforts in enhancing connectivity and supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
People I have met at international meetings, such as the African Union, have told me about the significant role Ethiopian Airlines plays and the great contribution it provides for Africa as a whole. They discuss the steps other African countries should take to become as effective an institution as Ethiopian Airlines. This brings great joy to the staff and leadership of Ethiopian Airlines and motivates us to strive for even greater success. We are dedicated to understanding our customers’ needs and are working hard to ensure their satisfaction.
The Ethiopian Airlines Group has been conducting extensive expansion projects. How can we measure the progress of its Vision 2035? Is it proceeding according to the plan?
The Ethiopian airline is undergoing rapid development every year, with a target set for 2035. Having achieved its strategic plan (Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan Vision 2035 to become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world.
Ethiopian is also pursuing multi-hub strategy through hubs in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. Ethiopian has been champion in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’.
This necessitates the opening of new flights and increasing the frequency of existing ones. To achieve this, the airline needs to import new airplanes and hire and train a large number of staff, such as pilots and flight attendants. However, infrastructure developments are equally crucial, especially at Bole Airport.
Expanding the airport infrastructure, maintenance capacity, and cargo infrastructure are all essential. Without an integrated approach, progress in one area may lag behind others, rendering the efforts ineffective. Therefore, we are currently undergoing various investment developments to address these needs.
We are currently constructing facilities to enhance our maintenance capacity and hiring additional staff to meet the demand for pilots and flight attendants. Although we have ordered new planes, the delivery date has been extended, resulting in a temporary shortage of aircraft. In addition, we are improving domestic terminals and constructing six new airports to accommodate the increasing demand for both international and domestic flights. Through the modernization of existing facilities and the construction of new ones, we aim to sustain double-digit progress and continue our growth. Overall, the airline is currently in a favorable position.
Ethiopian Airlines has a special connection with Africans. In terms of strengthening the African Union, what role has it played?
The Ethiopian Airlines played a crucial role in providing air transport for leaders when the Organization of African Unity was established. Without the airline, it would have been challenging for leaders to travel to Addis Ababa. Since its inception, the airline has supported AUC and later AU activities by providing efficient air transport services. Addis Ababa serves as the epicenter of Africa, hosting many international organizations. Leaders travel through Ethiopian Airlines, making it the preferred choice for the 38th AU summit.
In addition to Addis Ababa, we also assist leaders in traveling to meetings in other countries, ensuring comfortable arrival at their destinations. During the 38th African Union summit, the creation of the Africa Peace Fund was announced, and Ethiopian Airlines made a contribution to this initiative. The AU acknowledges Ethiopian Airlines as a valuable African asset.
As many of your customers have witnessed, Ethiopian Airlines has continued to provide uninterrupted service even as the world faces difficult situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. What is the secret behind this success?
The Ethiopian airline has three main missions: to provide reliable, secure, and comfortable air transport services to customers, to develop the African aviation industry, and to support the economic progress of Africa through accelerated air transport services.
Our commitment to connecting Africa with the rest of the world remains steadfast, as we continue to facilitate travel and export African goods globally. We are dedicated to upholding our principles and tagline of bringing Africans together, ensuring accessible and comfortable air travel for all.
Thank you for allowing us your time!
It is my pleasure.
BY GIRMACHEW GASHAW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2025
