Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Mesfin Tasew dismissed reports that he was stepping down unexpectedly, saying his retirement had been delayed several times at the request of the government.

Ato Mesfin said he was originally due to retire three years ago after reaching the mandatory retirement age. However, the government extended his term first by two years and then by a further year. He said the latest extension will expire next week, after which he is expected to retire.

Mesfin Tasew took over as chief executive of Ethiopian Airlines on March 24, 2022, after previously serving as one of the trusted figures of outgoing CEO Tewolde Gebremariam. During more than four decades at the airline, he held several senior positions, including overseeing aircraft procurement and leading the company’s operations from 2010 to 2021.

Mesfin said his current extension will come to an end at the end of this week, and that any decision on whether he will remain in the position or leave the role rests with the government.

photo credit: Sisay Guzay