Published January 23, 2026

Ethiopian Airlines'CEO on $12.5BN New Airport and Why Other African Airlines Fail

By MD

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Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, shares his 42 year journey within the airline, highlighting the importance of leadership, strategic vision and a strong corporate culture in achieving success.

He discusses the ambitious Vision 2040 for Ethiopian Airlines, the challenges faced by African aviation, and the critical investments in infrastructure and human capital necessary for future growth. Mesfin reflects on his long career at Ethiopian Airlines, his achievements and the spirit of collaboration that has driven the airline's success.

The Main Points:

*Leadership succession from within has been key to the airline's success

*Ethiopian Airlines has a strong corporate culture that motivates employees

*The airline's Vision 2040 aims to significantly increase passenger and cargo transport

*Investment in infrastructure is crucial for the airline's growth

*Ethiopian Airlines has operational autonomy, allowing for strategic decision-making without political interference

*Challenges in African aviation include high operational costs and lack of cooperation among airlines

*The new Bishoftu International Airport is a major investment for future growth

*Training and developing internal talent is a key priority for Ethiopian Airlines

*Mesfin reflects on a fulfilling career and the collaborative achievements of the airline





Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, shares his 42 year journey within the airline, highlighting the importance of leadership, strategic vision and a strong corporate culture in achieving success.

He discusses the ambitious Vision 2040 for Ethiopian Airlines, the challenges faced by African aviation, and the critical investments in infrastructure and human capital necessary for future growth. Mesfin reflects on his long career at Ethiopian Airlines, his achievements and the spirit of collaboration that has driven the airline's success.

The Main Points:

*Leadership succession from within has been key to the airline's success

*Ethiopian Airlines has a strong corporate culture that motivates employees

*The airline's Vision 2040 aims to significantly increase passenger and cargo transport

*Investment in infrastructure is crucial for the airline's growth

*Ethiopian Airlines has operational autonomy, allowing for strategic decision-making without political interference

*Challenges in African aviation include high operational costs and lack of cooperation among airlines

*The new Bishoftu International Airport is a major investment for future growth

*Training and developing internal talent is a key priority for Ethiopian Airlines

*Mesfin reflects on a fulfilling career and the collaborative achievements of the airline





Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, shares his 42 year journey within the airline, highlighting the importance of leadership, strategic vision and a strong corporate culture in achieving success.

He discusses the ambitious Vision 2040 for Ethiopian Airlines, the challenges faced by African aviation, and the critical investments in infrastructure and human capital necessary for future growth. Mesfin reflects on his long career at Ethiopian Airlines, his achievements and the spirit of collaboration that has driven the airline's success.

The Main Points:

*Leadership succession from within has been key to the airline's success

*Ethiopian Airlines has a strong corporate culture that motivates employees

*The airline's Vision 2040 aims to significantly increase passenger and cargo transport

*Investment in infrastructure is crucial for the airline's growth

*Ethiopian Airlines has operational autonomy, allowing for strategic decision-making without political interference

*Challenges in African aviation include high operational costs and lack of cooperation among airlines

*The new Bishoftu International Airport is a major investment for future growth

*Training and developing internal talent is a key priority for Ethiopian Airlines

*Mesfin reflects on a fulfilling career and the collaborative achievements of the airline





Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, shares his 42 year journey within the airline, highlighting the importance of leadership, strategic vision and a strong corporate culture in achieving success.

He discusses the ambitious Vision 2040 for Ethiopian Airlines, the challenges faced by African aviation, and the critical investments in infrastructure and human capital necessary for future growth. Mesfin reflects on his long career at Ethiopian Airlines, his achievements and the spirit of collaboration that has driven the airline's success.

The Main Points:

*Leadership succession from within has been key to the airline's success

*Ethiopian Airlines has a strong corporate culture that motivates employees

*The airline's Vision 2040 aims to significantly increase passenger and cargo transport

*Investment in infrastructure is crucial for the airline's growth

*Ethiopian Airlines has operational autonomy, allowing for strategic decision-making without political interference

*Challenges in African aviation include high operational costs and lack of cooperation among airlines

*The new Bishoftu International Airport is a major investment for future growth

*Training and developing internal talent is a key priority for Ethiopian Airlines

*Mesfin reflects on a fulfilling career and the collaborative achievements of the airline




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