The Ethio-American Chamber of Commerce (EACC) honored Solomon Gizaw, founder and managing director of Abyssinian Flight Service, for his contributions to Ethiopia’s aviation sector.
The award was presented on April 17 during a gala dinner at the MGM National Harbor Hotel and Casino. The chamber said the recognition celebrates “visionary leadership, business excellence and community impact” across the Ethiopian diaspora, citing Solomon’s role in advancing aviation services and training in Ethiopia.
Founded in 2018 by Ethiopian-American business owners, the chamber is a nonprofit that promotes the interests of its members and fosters a networked business community.
“I am very excited to receive the award. I am stunned,” Solomon said, attributing the recognition to his team. “The credit goes to all the staff of Abyssinian Flight Service.”
Established in 1999, Abyssinian Flight Service provides charter aviation services and launched Ethiopia’s first private pilot training school in 2007. The company currently operates a fleet of 12 aircraft, including nine training planes, and has graduated 255 pilots from multiple countries. Some alumni now serve as captains on large commercial aircraft, including with Ethiopian Airlines.
The firm’s operations span tourism, humanitarian missions and mining logistics. It has also supported major infrastructure projects such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and provides air ambulance services.
Solomon said the aviation and tourism sectors are gradually recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly disrupted operations. “We could have been in a much better position had it not been for the painful impacts of the pandemic,” he said.
Despite these challenges, the company has continued to expand its footprint in Ethiopia’s general aviation sector, receiving multiple recognitions this year. It was recently acknowledged by Ethiopian Electric Power for its long-standing air support to the GERD project.
Abyssinian Flight Service has also been involved in emergency response efforts. It participated in search-and-rescue operations following the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash. In November 2025, during an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in southern Ethiopia, the company sponsored a relief flight to Jinka, transporting medical personnel and supplies for the Ethiopian Public Health Institute after transport links were suspended.
The company has also received recognition from government institutions, including a certificate of appreciation from the Ministry of Revenue for tax compliance.
Looking ahead, Solomon expressed optimism about the sector’s growth potential, citing rising demand from tourism, mining and large-scale infrastructure projects. “Ethiopia is a growing economy. There is significant untapped demand for charter aviation services,” he said.
“As a private operator, we have encountered various challenges. Nevertheless, we remain committed to our nation. By overcoming these obstacles, we continue to serve our customers and foster mutual growth,” he stated.
He also pointed to opportunities in aviation training, noting strong global demand for skilled professionals. “Ethiopia can train and supply hundreds of pilots and aircraft maintenance technicians annually,” Solomon said, adding that stronger government support and public-private partnerships are needed to fully realize the sector’s potential.
Kaleyesus Bekele is a prominent aviation journalist
