Zambia Airways (2014) Limited has appointed Aman Wole Gurmu as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a new leadership phase for the national airline as it seeks to strengthen its commercial position and expand regional connectivity.
Gurmu officially assumed the position on August 1, 2026, following his appointment by the airline’s Board. Zambia Airways announced the development on social media, saying the appointment reflects the Board’s commitment to strong and visionary leadership as the airline enters its next phase of growth.
The new CEO brings nearly 19 years of experience in the international aviation industry, with expertise spanning airline leadership, commercial strategy, sales, market development and strategic partnerships. His extensive experience is expected to support Zambia Airways as it works to improve its competitiveness and expand its presence across regional markets.
Gurmu spent more than 18 years at Ethiopian Airlines, where he held several commercial and sales leadership positions. Before joining Zambia Airways, he served as Director of Addis Ababa Sales, where he was responsible for leading the airline’s sales strategy in the Ethiopian capital.
In that role, Gurmu focused on revenue growth and increasing market share while managing the sales team and maintaining relationships with corporate customers, travel agencies and key institutions. He also worked closely with internal departments to ensure that sales activities were aligned with Ethiopian Airlines’ broader commercial objectives.
His experience in commercial planning, market development and revenue generation gives him a strong background for leading Zambia Airways at a time when the airline is seeking to strengthen its network and improve its market position.
Zambia Airways is based in Lusaka, with Kenneth Kaunda International Airport serving as its main 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 an agreement signed in August 2018, IDC holds a 55 percent stake, while Ethiopian Airlines Group owns the remaining 45 percent.
The airline serves both the business and tourism sectors, offering passenger and air cargo services. Its current fleet consists of two aircraft: a Boeing 737-800 and a Bombardier Dash 8-Q400.
Zambia Airways operates a regional network connecting Zambia with Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania. Its destinations include Lusaka, Ndola, Solwezi and Livingstone in Zambia, as well as Harare, Johannesburg, Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.
Gurmu’s appointment comes as Zambia Airways places renewed emphasis on regional connectivity and commercial growth. The airline has stated its ambition to become a competitive regional carrier providing safe, market-driven and customer-focused passenger and cargo services.
Under his leadership, the airline is expected to focus on strengthening its commercial strategy, expanding connectivity and creating opportunities for trade, tourism and investment. His experience in sales, revenue growth and market development could also help Zambia Airways deepen existing markets while exploring new regional opportunities.
The appointment therefore represents more than a change in leadership. It signals Zambia Airways’ intention to build a stronger commercial foundation and position itself as an important player in regional aviation.
