Zambia Airways appoints Aman Wole Gurmu as CEO to drive regional growth
This leadership change is intended to drive the airline’s growth phase, leveraging Gurmu’s expertise to enhance regional connectivity and revenue.
ZAMBIA – Zambia Airways has appointed Aman Wole Gurmu as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1, 2026, as the national carrier strengthens its competitive position in the Southern African aviation market and leverages his extensive commercial expertise to drive regional connectivity and revenue growth.
The airline said Gurmu’s appointment reflects the Board’s commitment to strong and visionary leadership as it enters its next phase of growth. Gurmu brings around 19 years of experience in the international aviation sector, spanning airline leadership, commercial strategy, sales, market development and strategic partnerships.
Gurmu previously spent more than 18 years with Ethiopian Airlines, where he held various commercial and sales leadership roles. Most recently, he served as Director of Addis Ababa Sales, leading the airline’s sales strategy in the Addis Ababa market with a focus on revenue growth and market share expansion.
Professional Background and Strategic Expertise
In that role, he managed the sales team and oversaw relationships with corporate clients, travel agencies and key institutions, while coordinating with internal teams to align sales activities with Ethiopian Airlines’ commercial objectives. His experience across airline sales, market development and commercial strategy brings a strong commercial background to his new role at Zambia Airways.
Gurmu transitions to the Zambian national carrier following an extensive eighteen-year tenure at Ethiopian Airlines, where he specialized in commercial strategy and market expansion. This leadership change is intended to drive the airline’s growth phase, leveraging Gurmu’s expertise to enhance regional connectivity and revenue.
Airline Structure and Operational Network
Zambia Airways is based in Lusaka, with Kenneth Kaunda International Airport serving as its hub. The airline was established in 2014 under a shareholder agreement between the Government of Zambia, through Industrial Development Corporation Limited (IDC), and Ethiopian Airlines Group. Under the agreement signed in August 2018, IDC holds 55%, while Ethiopian Airlines Group holds 45%.
The airline currently operates a fleet of two aircraft, one Boeing 737-800 and one Bombardier Dash 8-Q400. Its current network covers Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania.
Gurmu’s background in commercial strategy, sales, revenue growth and market development comes as the airline seeks to strengthen its network and commercial position.
Lastly, his appointment marks a new leadership phase for Zambia Airways as it focuses on expanding connectivity and supporting the development of trade, tourism and investment in Zambia and the wider region.
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