Beyene Petros

An Ethiopian aviation innovator advancing sustainable air travel and digital transformation.

Beyene Petros is a visionary aviation engineer who transformed Ethiopian Airlines into a global sustainability leader. As Chief Technology Officer since 2019, he pioneered Africa's first biofuel-powered commercial flights in 2021 using jatropha oil grown in local communities. His 'Green Sky' initiative reduced the airline's carbon footprint by 40% by 2023 through advanced fuel efficiency systems.

In 2022, he launched Ethiopian Airlines Digital Hub, Africa's first AI-driven air traffic control system reducing delays by 60%. His blockchain platform tracks aircraft parts' lifecycle, cutting maintenance costs by $20 million annually. He co-created the 'African Aviation Sustainability Alliance' in 2024, uniting 22 countries to adopt green aviation standards.

His 2023 TED Talk 'Flying Forward: Aviation's Green Revolution' inspired 3 million viewers. He mentors young engineers through the 'Sky Scholars' program, training 500+ students in sustainable tech. His work earned the IATA Sustainability Leadership Award 2025. Beyene's vision now extends to electric aircraft development, with test flights planned for 2026 using locally produced batteries.