Engineer Telila Deressa Gutema on Ethiopian Airline’s role as a key connector between Southeast Asia and Africa

Photo credit: Ethiopian Airlines

What does the growing air bridge between Southeast Asia and Africa symbolise to you - beyond aviation? Is this a new Silk Road for the 21st century?

Absolutely. This is not just about air routes, it's about rebalancing the global narrative. The original Silk Road facilitated trade and dialogue across vastly different cultures. Today, Southeast Asia and Africa are building a new corridor for commerce, knowledge exchange, and tourism. Ethiopian Airlines is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, with Singapore as our Asia-Pacific hub, it enables seamless connectivity and positions us to act as a bridge between two of the world’s most dynamic regions.

Photo credit: Ethiopian Airlines

In your role overseeing Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, how do you interpret the demand trends from Asia to Africa - not just in business travel, but in cultural and spiritual tourism such as Umrah pilgrimages or heritage exploration?

What we’re seeing is a diverse and growing travel demand for Africa, not just for business, but for meaningful experiences. Through Singapore, travellers across the region are tapping into efficient routes to Africa via Addis Ababa. Business travellers are increasingly viewing Addis as the gateway to African markets. At the same time, we’re facilitating spiritual journeys, like Umrah pilgrimages enjoyed by many Malaysians, by offering smooth transits and even layover opportunities to explore Ethiopia’s own Islamic heritage in places like Harar. Free Independent Travelers (FITs) from Asia-Pacific are also discovering Africa’s raw beauty and history, with many entering our network via Singapore.

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim with the President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, at the Perdana Putra Building in Putrajaya on 4 June 2025.

Photo credit: NST

Malaysia has a unique diplomatic and trade relationship with many African nations. How can Ethiopian Airlines act as a strategic conduit for Malaysian businesses and investors seeking entry into Africa’s emerging markets?

Malaysia’s ties with Africa are deepening across multiple sectors, from halal trade and energy to digital services. We serve this demand with five flights a week from Kuala Lumpur through our regional hub in Singapore. This connection enables Malaysian professionals and investors to easily access Addis Ababa and, from there, over 60 destinations across Africa. Singapore’s world-class infrastructure and its strategic location make it the perfect transit point. Our services are a reliable bridge to Africa.

With Addis Ababa being such a critical aviation hub in Africa, how do you ensure that the layover experience becomes part of the destination, rather than a mere transition?

We see every layover as a chance to showcase Ethiopia. That’s why we offer short-stay visas and curated experiences, allowing passengers transiting through Addis, to immerse themselves in Ethiopian culture, cuisine, and hospitality. The Skylight Hotel offers luxury within walking distance from the terminal, and our upcoming $7 billion+ airport development project will elevate this further. We want passengers to leave with the sense that Addis isn’t just a stopover, it’s a part of their journey.

Simien Mountains.

Photo credit: Adobe Stock

For the sophisticated Free Independent Traveler (FIT), what hidden gems in Ethiopia - or along the wider African network - would you personally recommend as unforgettable, elegant, or spiritually enriching experiences?

For FITs coming from Kuala Lumpur via Singapore and beyond, Ethiopia offers something truly different. Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches stir the soul, while the Simien Mountains offer dramatic landscapes and rare wildlife. Harar, one of the oldest Islamic cities in Africa, blends spiritual depth with vibrant street life. We also connect travellers to gems across the continent, Zanzibar’s serene beaches, Namibia’s desertscapes, and Rwanda’s lush highlands. These are places that go beyond sightseeing - they offer a sense of transformation.

Photo credit: Ethiopian Airlines

In an era where environmental impact is increasingly important to discerning travellers, how is Ethiopian Airlines balancing its expansion with sustainability, heritage preservation, and local empowerment?

We are investing in the future with purpose. Our fleet includes modern, fuel-efficient aircraft like the Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 787, and we are exploring the possibility of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production in Ethiopia. We’re also finalizing preparations to introduce electric air taxis, which could reshape regional mobility. Our expansion, especially through our Singapore gateway, is grounded in a sustainability-first mindset. We support local communities through tourism, preserve cultural sites, and contribute to Ethiopia’s net-zero goals. Growth without responsibility isn’t an option for us.

Photo credit: Ethiopian Airlines

And finally, on a personal note: As someone championing the African continent’s presence in global aviation, what does gentlemanly leadership mean to you, especially as you represent a continent so rich in dignity, tradition, and forward ambition?

To me, gentlemanly leadership means leading with humility, quiet confidence, and an unwavering sense of purpose. Representing Ethiopian Airlines and, by extension, Africa in global aviation comes with a profound responsibility, to tell our story truthfully and with pride.

I believe that the work we do should elevate others, preserve dignity, and reflect the values we hold dear. Whether it’s through aviation or advocacy, my goal is to build bridges, across regions, cultures, and generations, with integrity and respect.

For more information, visit parkhyattkualalumpur.com/