By Suleman Chitera

ZAMBIA — Zambia Airways has appointed aviation industry veteran Aman Wole Gurmu as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), marking a significant leadership change as the national airline seeks to strengthen its operations, expand its market presence and improve its competitiveness.

Gurmu officially took up the position on 1 August 2026, bringing more than 19 years of international aviation experience to Zambia Airways.

He joins the airline from Ethiopian Airlines Group, where he held several senior positions spanning airline leadership, commercial strategy, sales, market development and strategic partnerships.

His extensive career has taken him across Africa, Europe and Asia, giving him experience in managing diverse aviation markets and developing commercial strategies for international airline operations.

Among the senior positions he previously held are Regional Director for Mainland China and Mongolia, Regional Director for France and the Maghreb, Area Manager for Zambia, and Director of Sales in Addis Ababa.

Zambia Airways Eyes Stronger Growth Under New CEO

The appointment comes at an important stage for Zambia Airways as the airline works to strengthen its position in the regional aviation market and improve connectivity between Zambia and international destinations.

Zambia Airways Board Chairperson Jomo Matululu welcomed Gurmu’s appointment, saying his international experience and strategic leadership would be important in advancing the airline’s growth and competitiveness.

“This appointment reflects the Board’s commitment to strong leadership and our vision of building a competitive, safe, customer-focused and market-driven airline that connects Zambia to regional and global opportunities,” Matululu said.

The Board’s priorities point to an ambition to position Zambia Airways as a stronger national carrier capable of competing effectively within the increasingly competitive African aviation industry.

Gurmu Brings Nearly Two Decades of Aviation Experience

Throughout his career, Gurmu has been involved in airline transformation initiatives, revenue growth, network expansion, stakeholder engagement and commercial development.

His experience at Ethiopian Airlines Group is particularly significant given the airline’s extensive African and international network and its position as one of the continent’s major aviation players.

His previous role as Area Manager for Zambia also gives him familiarity with the Zambian aviation market, its business environment and the expectations of local stakeholders.

That combination of international exposure and knowledge of Zambia could prove valuable as he takes charge of Zambia Airways.

New CEO Sets Out Immediate Priorities

Commenting on his appointment, Gurmu described the opportunity to lead Zambia Airways as a great honour and said he was committed to working with key stakeholders to strengthen the airline.

“It is a great honour to lead Zambia Airways at this important stage of its journey,” Gurmu said.

He said the airline would work with its Board, employees, Government, regulators and other stakeholders to build a safe, reliable and customer-focused national airline that reflects the aspirations of Zambians.

Gurmu identified several immediate priorities, including maintaining the highest safety standards, improving operational excellence, investing in employees, strengthening strategic partnerships and delivering better customer service.

What the Appointment Means for Zambia Airways

The appointment of a CEO with extensive international aviation experience could provide Zambia Airways with an opportunity to sharpen its commercial strategy while strengthening operational performance.

For a national airline operating in a competitive African market, issues such as route development, passenger experience, revenue management, partnerships and operational reliability will remain critical to long-term success.

Gurmu’s background in sales, market development and strategic partnerships is therefore expected to play an important role as Zambia Airways seeks to expand its reach and improve its competitiveness.

The new leadership also comes as African airlines continue to pursue stronger regional connectivity and partnerships to capture growing demand for air travel across the continent.

With Gurmu now at the helm, attention will turn to how quickly Zambia Airways can translate his experience into improved operations, stronger commercial performance and expanded connectivity.

Zambia Airways Leadership Enters New Chapter

Aman Wole Gurmu’s appointment represents a new chapter for Zambia Airways, with the airline’s Board placing emphasis on safety, operational excellence, customer service, partnerships and sustainable growth.

His nearly two decades of international aviation experience will now be tested in one of the continent’s increasingly competitive aviation markets.

For passengers, employees and the wider Zambian aviation industry, the key measure of his tenure will ultimately be whether the new leadership can deliver a stronger, more reliable and more competitive Zambia Airways.