Zambia Airways has appointed Aman Wole Gurmu, a seasoned Ethiopian aviation executive, as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1, 2026, as the Zambian national carrier prepares for its next phase of growth.
According to Addis Standard, Gurmu joins Zambia Airways from Ethiopian Airlines Group, where he built more than 19 years of experience in airline management, commercial strategy, sales, market development and strategic partnerships.
During his career at Ethiopian Airlines, he held several senior positions, including 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. His assignments across Africa, Europe and Asia have given him broad experience in international aviation markets. Zambia Airways Board Chairperson Jomo Matululu said Gurmu’s extensive international experience and strategic leadership would help strengthen the airline’s competitiveness and support its expansion plans.
As CEO, Gurmu will focus on operational excellence, customer service, network expansion, strategic partnerships and financial sustainability. He also pledged to prioritise safety, operational performance, employee development and improved customer experience. Zambia Airways resumed operations in December 2021 and currently connects Zambia with regional destinations including Dar es Salaam, Harare, Johannesburg and Nairobi, while also operating domestic services to Ndola, Livingstone and Solwezi.
The airline is jointly owned by Ethiopian Airlines Group and Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation, with Ethiopian Airlines holding a 45% stake and IDC owning 55%. The partnership was central to the relaunch of Zambia Airways in December 2021.
