By John Ikani
Girma Wake, the Chairman of Ethiopian Airlines, has stepped down from his position.
Following his resignation, Ethiopia has appointed Lieutenant General Yilma Merdassa, the head of the country’s air force, as Wake’s successor.
Lieutenant General Yilma has already been associated with Ethiopian Airlines for the past two and a half years while serving as the commander of Ethiopia’s air force.
The carrier confirmed that Yilma had been a member of the company’s board of directors during his tenure in the air force. On June 8, he assumed his new role as the Chairman of Ethiopian Airlines.
Girma Wake, a seasoned veteran in the African airline industry at the age of 79, had a long-standing relationship with the company.
He joined Ethiopian Airlines in 1965 and held the position of Chief Executive Officer from 2004 to 2011, a period characterized by significant growth for the carrier.
In March 2022, he took on the role of Chairman.
Recognizing Wake’s immense contributions, the company issued a press release acknowledging that his dedication and leadership had played a crucial role in the growth and success of the airline group.
While the exact reason for Wake’s resignation remains unknown, it comes amidst the controversy surrounding the establishment of Nigeria’s national carrier, Nigeria Air.
Last week, Capt Dapo Olumide, the Interim Managing Director of Nigeria Air, clarified that the aircraft used for the unveiling of the national carrier belonged to Ethiopian Airlines and was chartered legitimately.
After the unveiling, the aircraft was returned to Ethiopian Airlines.
However, Nigeria’s Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Aviation have labeled the Nigeria Air launch as fraudulent.
Ethiopian Airlines, a state-owned company, takes pride in being the only profitable airline on the African continent.
For the 2021-2022 fiscal year, the carrier reported a substantial profit of $937 million.
With a fleet of 144 aircraft, Ethiopian Airlines has maintained its reputation as a prominent player in the aviation industry.
In addition, the company is a member of the esteemed Star Alliance.
Lieutenant General Yilma Merdassa, who has commanded Ethiopia’s air force since June 2018, was appointed to his position by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed shortly after he assumed power.
As the new Chairman of Ethiopian Airlines, Yilma is expected to steer the carrier towards continued growth and success in the dynamic aviation landscape.
