Yesterday I wrote about how it was rumored that Ethiopian Airlines’ Chairman had been fired, and was replaced by the head of the country’s Air Force. This has now been officially confirmed, and could have some major implications.
Continue reading: Ethiopian Airlines Board Taken Over By Air Force Commander
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Well...maybe they following in the US footsteps and are embracing diversity...
Since the Ethiopian Air Force is primarily composed of Russian aircraft, aren't we supposed to boycott Ethiopian Airlines now?
What a pity. Ethiopian Airlines was one of the best run airlines (or any large business for that matter) in Africa.
I suspect this will have major implications for the airline and will result in many more management changes down the line based on which tribe one belongs to.
Ethiopian Airlines is headed by Mesfin Tasew who was appointed to the position in March 2022, not Girma Wake. Girma Wake is a board chairman and still keeps that position.
You fall for Amhara's misinformation, dear Editor. They are known for spreading lies 24/7.
I'm supposed to be meeting Ato Girma in Nairobi this week so hopefully we'll get some updates on the situation from him.
I’m sure this most likely will have limited impact on consumers… but I’ve been on the fence about planning an award six months out and considering flights on Ethiopian… this is the kind of news that makes me lean towards another trip. Can only imagine others will avoid the airline as well, which is unfortunate for a Ethiopia.
This guy just got a Nobel Memorial Prize but is replacing CEOs based on ethnic reasons. Classic.
I think you should not exaggerate the issue as such. Ethiopian Airlines is a well established Airline in all basic resources including well trained international business-minded man power and capital.
The proposed Mgr has also Good exposure to the business. The PM can assign just after evaluating his capacity and exposure. So it is not fair to make such irrelevant news on EAL.
Thank you!
If you've been reading OMAAT long enough, you would know to come straight to the comment section on a blog like this to see what Sean M has to say about it.
@Derek - In this case, I'm just an old friend of Girma's who serves on a board (not Ethiopian Airlines) with him, and was worried for his safety and well-being given the media reports. He has confirmed he's fine though and seems fiesty as ever so I'm sure there will be a lot of chat over drinks this week when we meet. That's all.
@Yonas - Ato Girma has confirmed today that he is no longer holding the position of Chairman. There is no clear information about the status of Mesfin and Lemma at this time. What actually transpired will likely not be publicly spoken as Ato Girma is not the type to wash dirty linen in public, even if he had a disagreement with PM Abiy and was removed involuntarily.
@Sean M. Ah, so you're in the industry I imagine! Where can I find out more about you? 😛
Either way, I'm interested to hear the story from the horses mouth.
Since the Ukrainian Air Force is primarily composed of Russian aircraft, aren't we supposed...
Hold on, hold on!
If you google his name, you will see that he is the go to person with anything aviation related in Africa.
@Derek Hong - You can google me (Sean M Africa aviation) and you'll find out more than you probably cared to! 🙂
During Ethiopia - Eritrea war, there was some behind the scenes Russian assistance to Ethiopia and Ukrainian assistance to Eritrea. I wonder if it's somehow related to current situation.
I was about to book Beijing to NYC on Ethiopian (which, at the moment, is the cheapest business class fare I can find). But I'm not dealing with political interference putting some nutter at the top. On to my next best choice.
You are totally correct! I treasure Sean M's posts every single time I see and read them! What a great man he is! And how comprehensive his knowledge of almost everything aviation is!
Thank you! I guess I'm not the only fat, balding, middle aged one between the both of us.
I'm not sure why everyone was so offended by me asking more about you given that you obviously operate inside significant circles within the industry, and I didn't know much about you. Not to mention "Sean M." doesn't exactly narrow things down when you do a Google search. People can be quite sensitive it seems.
I appreciate you being willing to give me more insight though!
Sorry about the unconfirmed ethnic-based rumors here in the case. I think both guys are from Oromo. So, your assumption seems to be sick of a big rumour - a rumour for a rumor!
I'm a frequent ET traveler and headed to Addis next week. This is just another piece of what is happening in Ethiopia. It's really sad. Abiy came into office bringing so much hope. Sadly he's turning out to be a pretty bad actor. Nothing good is going to come of this.
Yonas, the news of Girma Wake being fired is all over. This is not Amhara misinformation as you put it. We are seeing now who is spreading lies 24/7.
If There is any reason to fire Mr. Tesow who is the CEO, There is no reson to Fire Mr. Girma who was the Board chairman . There is a political conspiracy popup aginast Oromo and prime minister on Amharic speaking Youtubers to mislead people that all positions will be taken over by Oromo politician and reshuffling is coming based on politics . The Prime Minster can fire anybody for his own reason if he wanted. We have to know Mr. Girma can make a mistake that the premier doesn't like in his own administration. even though Mr. Girma is a respected CEO or Chairman.
Hey David. I just booked ET for the fall. IAD-ADD-JNB and CPT-ADD-ORD.
777/350/350/787 (at least, that is what is currently scheduled, I hear nothing is firm until 72 hours before departure.)
Since you are a frequent ET traveler, I’m wondering what you can share about these flights and routes.