AviaDev, the premier aviation route development event for Africa, has announced that Mesfin Tasew, Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, has been named the recipient of the Ato Girma Wake Lifetime Achievement Award for an outstanding contribution to route development and African aviation.
This prestigious award, named in honour of AviaDev’s event Patron is voted for by the advisory board and recognizes individuals who have made a profound and lasting impact on the advancement of aviation across the continent.
The award was first presented in 2017 and previous recipients include João Pó Jorge, Industry Expert former Director General, LAM (2024), Rodger Foster, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Airlink (2023), and Sanjeev Gadhia, Founder & CEO of Astral Aviation (2022), all of whom have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to the industry.
Mesfin Tasew’s career in aviation spans over four decades, during which he has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s leading carrier. Having joined the airline in 1984, Mesfin has held several senior leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer and CEO of ASKY Airlines, before assuming the position of Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines in 2022. Under his leadership, Ethiopian Airlines has expanded its global reach, strengthened its strategic partnerships, and continued to drive operational excellence. His commitment to sustainability, innovation, and capacity building has reinforced Ethiopian Airlines’ position as a global aviation powerhouse and a beacon of success for African aviation.
Jon Howell, CEO & Founder of AviaDev, commented on the award, “Mesfin Tasew embodies the resilience, vision, and leadership that define African aviation’s success. His unwavering dedication to Ethiopian Airlines and the broader aviation sector has contributed significantly to Africa’s connectivity, economic growth, and global standing. It is an honour to recognise his achievements with the AviaDev Award for Outstanding Contribution to African Aviation.”
Ato Girma Wake, Industry Expert and AviaDev Patron, added “I have had the privilege of witnessing Mesfin’s journey in aviation over the years, and his contributions to Ethiopian Airlines and the industry at large are truly commendable. His technical expertise, strategic foresight, and commitment to the development of African aviation make him a worthy recipient of this award. Congratulations to Mesfin on this well-deserved recognition.”
The award will be presented to Ato Mesfin Tasew at AviaDev Africa 2025, where he will be interviewed by Ato Girma Wake about his life and experience in the final stage session of the annual event, which attracts 500 African aviation professionals who will gather to negotiate and determine the network and fleet development on the continent.
