Veteran aviation executive Tewolde Gebremariam, who was widely reported to be a leading candidate for the position of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Chief Executive Officer, has instead been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Air India.
According to media reports, Gebremariam will lead India’s national carrier, ending speculation that he would take over the top position at PIA as Pakistan continues its search for a permanent CEO.
Gebremariam is one of Africa’s most respected aviation leaders, having previously served as the Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, where he played a key role in transforming the airline into one of the world’s fastest-growing carriers.
Reports of his possible appointment at PIA had surfaced in recent weeks as the government evaluated candidates to lead the state-owned airline amid ongoing restructuring and privatization efforts.
His appointment at Air India now removes him from contention for the PIA leadership, leaving Pakistan to continue the recruitment process for a new chief executive.
The development comes as Air India accelerates its fleet expansion, network growth, and modernization strategy following its acquisition by the Tata Group.
