Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has shortlisted Tewolde Gebremariam, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, to become the airline’s next CEO, according to a Bloomberg report.
Citing a person familiar with the matter, Bloomberg said the newly privatized airline plans to officially announce the appointment by Sunday. However, the report noted that some formal procedures still need completion before the decision becomes final.
If confirmed, Gebremariam will lead PIA at a crucial stage as the airline begins operations under its new private owners following one of Pakistan’s biggest privatization deals.
Bloomberg said his appointment could strengthen the Arif Habib-led consortium’s efforts to revive the financially troubled national carrier after acquiring a majority stake.
Aviation veteran transformed Ethiopian Airlines
Gebremariam is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most successful aviation executives. He joined Ethiopian Airlines in 1985 and rose through senior commercial and operational roles before becoming Group CEO in 2011.
During more than a decade at the helm, Ethiopian Airlines expanded rapidly into Africa’s largest airline group. The carrier increased its fleet from 33 aircraft to around 130, expanded annual passenger traffic from three million to 12 million before the pandemic, and significantly grew its global route network.
Bloomberg noted, “Under Tewolde’s leadership, Ethiopian Airlines grew into Africa’s largest carrier, providing a link to cities around the continent from its transit hub in Addis Ababa.”
His leadership also earned international recognition, including CAPA’s Airline Executive of the Year award and several African business leadership honors.
Gebremariam stepped down from Ethiopian Airlines in March 2022 after requesting early retirement to focus on his health. The airline’s board credited him with transforming the company into one of Africa’s strongest aviation brands.
PIA begins new chapter after privatization
PIA has spent years undergoing restructuring as successive governments attempted to privatize the loss-making airline.
Last year, a consortium led by Arif Habib Group submitted the winning bid of Rs135 billion for a 75 percent stake in PIA. The offer exceeded the government’s reference price by 35 percent and included a commitment to invest another Rs80 billion in the airline’s future operations.
In April 2026, shareholders of PIA Holding Company Limited approved the sale of the 75 percent stake. On April 30, the consortium also moved to acquire the remaining 25 percent stake, paving the way for full privatization.
Last month, Pakistan’s Privatisation Commission completed the first closing of the transaction after all conditions under the Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement were fulfilled. The process officially transferred management control of PIA to the Arif Habib-led consortium.
The selection of an internationally respected airline executive signals the new owners’ intention to rebuild PIA’s operations, improve efficiency and restore the carrier’s competitiveness in regional and international markets. Industry observers believe experienced leadership will play a central role as the airline works to regain profitability and rebuild passenger confidence after years of financial and operational challenges.
