Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has selected former Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Tewolde Gebremariam as its new CEO following the airline’s privatization. The decision comes after management control of the national carrier was transferred to a consortium led by the Arif Habib Group. The appointment aims to spearhead comprehensive efforts to revive the chronically loss-making airline through major operational reforms and fresh capital injection.
While the selection has been confirmed by sources close to the matter, PIA is currently withholding an official announcement. According to reports from Arab News, a senior airline official stated that the formal declaration will be deferred until all necessary security clearances are finalized. A major shareholder in the consortium described Gebremariam as a highly capable executive with a proven track record of orchestrating successful corporate turnarounds.
The incoming executive brings extensive aviation experience, having served as the Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines from 2011 until March 2022. Under his decade-long leadership, the carrier transformed into Africa’s largest and most profitable airline. He successfully oversaw massive fleet modernization, extensive route expansion, and the development of Addis Ababa into a dominant continental aviation hub before stepping down due to health concerns.
The change in leadership follows a pivotal privatization process intended to restructure PIA’s substantial financial liabilities and operational inefficiencies. The new management consortium plans to leverage Gebremariam’s expertise to implement a robust turnaround strategy. Initial phases of the restructuring are expected to focus heavily on fleet modernization, network optimization, and restoring the carrier’s international regulatory compliance.
Industry analysts view the selection as a strategic move to restore PIA’s commercial viability and competitive edge in the regional market. The transition marks a critical milestone in Pakistan’s broader economic reform program, which prioritizes the privatization of state-owned enterprises.