Africa’s Godfather of Aviation Wings Uganda Airlines Into a New Era

In a move that captured the attention of the African and global aviation community, Uganda Airlines turned to one of the continent’s most respected aviation leaders to guide its next chapter. Aviation icon Girma Wake, widely regarded as the “Godfather of African Aviation,” steps into an advisory and leadership role at the national carrier, marking not just a leadership transition, but a renewed commitment to professionalism, excellence, and long-term vision in Uganda’s aviation sector.

At over eight decades of life and experience, Girma Wake brings with him an extraordinary legacy of transformation and success. His name remains inseparably linked to the rise of Ethiopian Airlines, which under his stewardship evolved from a modest regional carrier into Africa’s largest and most successful airline. Across the continent, Wake has long symbolized what is possible when vision, discipline, and strategic thinking are combined with unwavering commitment to institutional growth.

Girma Wake’s aviation journey began in the mid-1960s when he joined Ethiopian Airlines as a young professional. Through decades of dedication, learning, and leadership, he rose through the ranks to become Chief Executive Officer in 2004. At a time when many African airlines were struggling to survive, Wake introduced bold long-term strategies that reshaped Ethiopian Airlines’ future. His flagship “Vision 2010” plan laid the foundation for aggressive network expansion, fleet modernization, and global integration, positioning the airline as a serious competitor on the world stage.

Under his leadership, Ethiopian Airlines expanded its passenger base significantly, modernized its fleet with some of the youngest aircraft in the region, and strengthened its operational efficiency. The airline built strategic partnerships across Africa and beyond, joined the Star Alliance, and developed strong cargo, maintenance, and training divisions. These achievements transformed Ethiopian Airlines into a self-sustaining, profitable, and globally respected institution, admired by policymakers, investors, and aviation professionals alike.

It was this proven track record that makes Wake’s involvement at Uganda Airlines particularly significant. While Uganda Airlines has made important strides in reconnecting the country to key regional and international destinations, the airline, like many state-owned carriers, has faced operational and financial pressures. Leadership changes have created a moment of reflection and reorientation, prompting the government to seek experienced hands capable of guiding the airline toward long-term stability and growth.

As interim leader and strategic advisor, Wake’s involvement offers more than short-term management support. He brings institutional knowledge, mentorship, and systems-thinking designed to strengthen governance structures, improve commercial discipline, and nurture future leadership within the airline. His role also supports the transition toward permanent executive leadership, ensuring continuity and strategic clarity during a critical period.

Wake’s leadership philosophy emphasizes financial responsibility, operational efficiency, customer experience, and human capital development. He has consistently demonstrated that successful airlines are built not only on aircraft and routes, but on people, systems, and culture. By prioritizing training, accountability, and long-term planning, he built institutions capable of withstanding economic shocks and industry cycles. These principles will provide Uganda Airlines with a blueprint for sustainable growth.

More broadly, his involvement underscores a growing recognition that African aviation thrives on homegrown expertise and continental collaboration. In an industry shaped by global competition, high capital costs, regulatory pressures, and infrastructure constraints, leaders who understand both international standards and local realities are essential. Girma Wake embodieds this blend of global competence and African insight.

For Uganda, this chapter strengthens its national carrier not only as a transport provider, but as a strategic asset for trade, tourism, and regional integration. A stable and well-managed airline enhances national competitiveness, connects businesses to markets, and supports long-term development objectives. More than a management shift, his leadership marks a celebration of African excellence – a reminder that the continent’s skies can indeed be shaped by its own pioneers. In doing so, Uganda Airlines hopes to step into a new era, guided by the seasoned hands of Africa’s Godfather of Aviation.