Air India's new Chief Executive Officer was nearly set to take charge of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) before being appointed by the Tata Group-owned carrier.
Former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam had reportedly been selected to lead PIA and was awaiting mandatory security clearances before his appointment could be officially announced.
According to media reports, he was only weeks away from taking over at Pakistan's national airline before Air India finalised his appointment as CEO and Managing Director.
Reports in July had suggested that PIA had chosen the veteran aviation executive to spearhead the airline's post-privatisation revival, although the appointment was never formally confirmed.
PIA WAS AWAITING SECURITY CLEARANCE
Tewolde had emerged as the preferred candidate to head Pakistan International Airlines after control of the airline was transferred to a consortium led by the Arif Habib Group.
Bloomberg reported that he had been shortlisted for the role, while Arab News, citing unnamed sources, said PIA was waiting for the required security clearances before making the appointment public.
A senior PIA official told Arab News that the airline would not announce his appointment until all security clearances were completed. A major shareholder also described Tewolde as "a very capable person" who had successfully led multiple turnarounds.
He was expected to oversee PIA's revival through fleet modernisation, expansion of its route network and operational reforms following the airline's privatisation.
AIR INDIA APPOINTED HIM FIRST
Instead of joining Pakistan's national carrier, Tewolde was named CEO and Managing Director of Air India after what the airline described as a global search for a leader with expertise in large-scale airline transformation, operational excellence, safety management and profitable growth.
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said Tewolde's "track record in building one of the world's most efficient and profitable airline groups makes him uniquely suited to lead Air India."
He added that Tewolde's operational expertise, emphasis on safety and experience in developing aviation hubs would play a key role as Air India enters the next phase of its growth under the Tata Group.
WHO IS TEWOLDE GEBREMARIAM?
Tewolde served as the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group from 2011 until his retirement in March 2022.
During his leadership, Ethiopian Airlines grew into Africa's largest airline group by expanding its fleet, international network and maintenance operations, while also establishing Addis Ababa as one of the continent's leading aviation hubs. The airline also strengthened its profitability and global competitiveness during his tenure.
He retired in 2022, citing health reasons, after spending nearly four decades with Ethiopian Airlines.
Accepting his new role, Tewolde said it was "a profound honour" to lead Air India at a crucial stage in its transformation.
He said he looked forward to delivering "exceptional operational reliability, warm Indian hospitality, and sustained long-term growth."
Air India said the leadership transition marks its move from the stabilisation phase to the next stage of its transformation, with a focus on profitability, global expansion, enhanced passenger experience and stronger international connectivity. The airline also thanked outgoing CEO Campbell Wilson for leading fleet modernisation, merger integration and governance reforms.
