Aerospace company Boeing has appointed Henok Teferra Shawl as MD for Boeing Africa to strengthen the company's operations and relationships across the African continent.

In his new role, Teferra Shawl will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Boeing plans to open an office early 2024.

He has an impressive career history in aviation, regulatory affairs and government relations, and is positioned to be a strategic leader driving Boeing’s continued success in Africa, the company said.

Teferra Shawl was previously Ethiopian Airlines strategic planning and alliances VP, and ASKY Airlines COO and board member.

Additionally, Teferra Shawl served as the ambassador of Ethiopia to France, Spain, Portugal, Monaco and the Holy See, contributing significantly to the promotion of Ethiopia’s interests and the enhancement of bilateral relations.

He joins Boeing from Safaricom Telecommunication Ethiopia, where he was chief external affairs and regulatory officer.

“With Boeing aeroplanes serving as the backbone of Africa’s commercial fleet for over 75 years, Boeing also is playing an active role in enabling the growth of Africa’s aerospace industry by investing in talent, promoting innovation and assisting in the development of an industrial and manufacturing base,” said Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia president Kuljit Ghata-Aura.

“We are delighted to have Henok Teferra Shawl join our team. With his exceptional background in aviation and government relations, we are confident in his ability to champion our mission in the African market,” he said.

The appointment of Teferra Shawl complements the efforts of the Boeing Commercial Airplanes team led by Boeing commercial airplanes sales and marketing in Africa VP Anbessie Yitbarek. The team is dedicated to serving African customers and further expanding Boeing's presence in the region.