Getachew Alemu

Ethiopian Airlines' visionary leader who transformed African aviation and promoted regional connectivity

Getachew Alemu (1958–2020) was the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines from 2009 to 2020, steering it into Africa’s largest airline by fleet size and passenger numbers. Under his leadership, the airline became a linchpin of Africa’s economic integration, operating routes to over 120 global destinations with a fleet of 122 aircraft. Alemu pioneered strategic investments in Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A350s, positioning Addis Ababa as a continental aviation hub.

Alemu’s vision extended beyond profitability. He championed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), advocating aviation as a tool for intra-African trade. His Bloomberg interview highlighted his belief that air connectivity could reduce Africa’s reliance on European and Asian hubs. He also prioritized local employment, training over 40,000 aviation professionals through Ethiopian Airlines’ training institute.

Tragically, Alemu died in the March 10, 2020 crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET302, but his legacy endures. The airline’s fleet expansion reduced travel costs across Africa, enabling business growth and cultural exchanges. Documentaries like Ethiopian Airlines: The Sky's the Limit (2018) detail his contributions. His leadership model—combining commercial acumen with continental solidarity—inspires African entrepreneurs to think beyond borders.