The Centre for Aviation (CAPA) annual Global Aviation Awards for Excellence, recognized Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam as Airline Executive of the Year. The Ethiopian Airlines CEO has been honored for making Ethiopian Airlines has stand out from the crowd in Africa.

GebreMariam described the award as an honored and thanked CAPA for the recognition. However, he explained that this was not an achievement he made alone. “We at Ethiopian have achieved greater milestones as one family.” hes said, “I want to dedicate this award to my colleagues: more than 16,000

brave men and women around the world who always challenge themselves to soar higher with the mind-set that every step they take can become new history and milestone in today’s 21st century aviation business.”

The CAPA Chairman, Emeritus Peter Harbison, described GebreMariam as a giant in aviation in Africa. “He has guided a marginal airline into becoming a major global force, with a modern fleet and a world class operation.”

In March this year, the airline saw the loss of all 157 passengers and crew onboard, an event that led to the grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX airliner. “This past year he (GebreMariam) has been most strenuously challenged following the MAX accident, and emerges with an even stronger reputation. We are proud to present him with this award and look forward to him continuing to lead the airline to even greater heights.” said Harbison.

Tewolde GebreMariam became Group CEO in January 2011, but before that had held various several senior leadership positions in different divisions in the airline including Ethiopian Cargo, area offices and sales and marketing. In fact, he has now completed almost 35 years’ service having started as a transportation agent back in 1985.