Dawit Lemma

Group Chairman & CEO, Krimson Aviation

Dawit Lemma is the Founder and CEO of Krimson Aviation – an aviation services company based in Ethiopia and Malta with operations at 38 airports in 20 African countries. He is a Swiss citizen, of Ethiopian origin, and has lived and worked all over the world; from Zambia to Afghanistan, the USA to Switzerland – making him a true global citizen. Lemma returned to Ethiopia in 2012, after almost 30 years abroad, recognizing the thriving potential and opportunities displayed by Ethiopia’s economic resurgence.

He is a graduate of Purdue University in the U.S., where he received a degree in Aeronautical Engineering & Flight Technology. In addition, he received a MSc. degree in Aviation Management & Marketing from the Basel Business College in Switzerland. Lemma also holds an Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic’s License (American FAA), Commercial Pilot’s License (American FAA, South African CAA, Swiss FOCA/EASA), and an EASA Frozen ATPL. He has close to 20 years of experience in the aviation sector across four continents, with a cache of notable experience garnered at leading companies including TAG Aviation, Emirates Airlines, MAF and Ethiopian Airlines, to name a few.

Lemma’s commitment to excellence and achievement has led to Krimson’s growth and sound reputation in a short period of time. Krimson’s mantra of Achievement through Quality & Integrity of Service serves as more than just a philosophy, it is a lifestyle and deep-rooted value that Lemma has applied throughout his education and professional career.

As he develops his own career he is investing in the future of aviation. In September of 2021 he launched a scholarship endowment at Purdue University to support the application and financing of students from diverse backgrounds to study aviation or business. In addition, he volunteers for the Brevet d’Initiation Aéronautique (BIA) course at the Lycée Guebre-Mariam, in Addis Ababa. Lemma believes in encouraging the younger generation to commit to the future of aerospace.

Lemma serves on African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) Board of Directors, is the first African representative to sit on the International Business Aviation Council’s IS-BAH Standard’s Board, represents Krimson for the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) Ambassadors Programme, and actively engages with the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).

Sessions

Long-term Strategies for the Future of Business Aviation
Tuesday, 24 May 2022
11:30 – 12:30