Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, has been awarded the coveted Ato Girma Wake Lifetime Achievement Award, a distinction that celebrates not just personal excellence but a profound and ongoing impact on African aviation.

The award was presented during the grand AviaDev Africa 2025 ceremony in Zanzibar, where over 500 key stakeholders from the aviation and tourism industries gathered to celebrate achievements and forge new partnerships across the continent.

Mr. Mesfin’s recognition comes as a testament to his visionary leadership, which has positioned Ethiopian Airlines as a continental powerhouse and a global player in aviation. His influence goes far beyond route development; it spans strategic growth, connectivity enhancement, and an unwavering commitment to a unified, well-connected Africa.

“The joy I feel for receiving the Ato Girma Wake Lifetime Achievement Award is twofold,”  Mr. Mesfin said in his acceptance speech. “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 emphasized that the airline’s achievements are anchored in collaboration and a pan-African vision. “As a Pan-African airline, we strive to realize a well-connected Africa, and such recognition 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 on the continent,” He added.

Under Mr. Mesfin’s stewardship, Ethiopian Airlines has reached new heights, achieving major operational milestones, expanding its global network, and setting new benchmarks for efficiency, safety, and customer service. His forward-thinking strategies have not only elevated the airline’s stature but have also influenced regional connectivity and international aviation policies.

The Ato Girma Wake Lifetime Achievement Award, named after the legendary former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, honours individuals whose leadership and innovation have left a lasting mark on the aviation landscape in Africa. It stands as a reminder that transformative leadership is essential in achieving a globally competitive African aviation sector.

AviaDev Africa continues to serve as a critical platform for celebrating excellence, driving dialogue, and reinforcing the collaborative spirit needed to unlock the continent’s full aviation potential.