(Posted 14th June 2025)
The 2025 Ato Girma Wake Lifetime Achievement Award was yesterday
presented to Mr. Mesfin during the grand AviaDev Africa 2025 ceremony that gathered
over 500 high profile delegates from across Africa and beyond in Zanzibar.
This distinguished recognition celebrates Mr. Mesfin’s years of exceptional contribution,
and continuing impact on the airline’s success. It also highlights Mr. Mesfin’s
commendable leadership that is making a change beyond Ethiopian Airlines.
Expressing his gratitude Mr. Mesfin said, “The joy I feel for receiving the Ato Girma Wake
Lifetime Achievement Award is twofold. This award is more than an honor as it is named after
Africa’s father of aviation, Ethiopian Airlines’ former CEO and my mentor.”
He added, “This award is a testament to the collaborative effort of the entire Ethiopian Airlines’ team. As a Pan- African airline we strive to realize a well-connected Africa and such recognitions strengthens our
commitment to do more. Taking this opportunity, I would like to reaffirm my personal and
Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to the enhancement of the aviation industry in the continent.”
Under Mr. Mesfin’s guidance, Ethiopian Airlines has established itself as a
prominent airline group in the aviation sector by attaining significant milestones, setting
industry standards for excellence, and reaffirming its commitment to connecting cultures
and fostering international collaboration.
Named in the honour of Mr. Girma Wake, a true icon of African aviation, the Ato Girma
Wake Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made a profound
and lasting impact on the advancement of aviation across the continent.
AviaDev, the premier aviation route development event for Africa sets the stage to
strengthen connections between aviation stakeholders, bringing together airports,
airlines, tourism authorities, governments, and industry suppliers.
AviaDev Africa 2025 ended last night and ATCNews will announce the dates and venue of the 2026 event in due course.
