In response to an increased demand for services, and in anticipation of the pent-up demand for travel being satisfied, Krimson Aviation has added two new members to its team and has promoted another.

The Addis Ababa, Ethiopia-based flight support, charter and aviation consultancy has promoted Helina Teshome, previously chief commercial officer, to MD. In recognition of the insight she delivers to the business, Teshome is now responsible for all business operations and providing strategic planning to Krimson's CEO and founder Dawit Lemma. She is well-positioned to ensure that the company achieves its strategic vision, operational mission and financial goals to support Krimson's growth. As CCO she launched and headed up Krimson Koncierge, Krimson's luxury travel service offering customised excursions, itineraries and management services. Teshome has also been integral in building lasting relationships with government bodies and relevant authorities.

“I am grateful for Dawit's mentorship, and I look forward to optimising our team to ensure we reach our objectives and potential,” she says. “The potential development and realisation of a Krimson FBO, bolstered by our flight support operations, which cover the whole of Africa, remains my primary ambition.”

Supporting Teshome in her new role is recently appointed Gideon Girma, who steps into the commercial manager position. Girma joins Krimson following experience working at Ethiopian Airlines and Aeroservices, where business development, client relationships and management all fell within his remit. He is responsible for heading up the marketing and communications division, direct sales and co-creating and executing business development strategies while maintaining vendor-client arrangements and expanding Krimson's customer base.

“I am thrilled to join Krimson Aviation and look forward to using my knowledge and experience to take the business to the next level as we grow in Africa and beyond,” he says.

Michael Mesfin joins Krimson as Koncierge services manager to head up the bespoke travel division, Krimson Koncierge. Following nearly a decade of working at IATA-approved travel firms and international organisations, including Carlson Wagonlit, as well as an educational background in sales and marketing from Ethiopian Airlines Aviation Academy, Mesfin is responsible for the planning, direction and coordination of the Koncierge operations.

“Ethiopia is fast becoming a destination for discerning travellers, and I'm excited to be growing and marketing our services and positioning Ethiopia as a mainstream destination for the curious voyager. We already support flight and cabin crew, as well as passengers. It is a natural evolution to grow this part of our business,” says Mesfin.

Lemma concludes: “Our first five years focused on operations to establish Krimson as a one-stop shop for crew and passengers, while providing flight support, charter, leasing, MRO solutions and aviation consulting. Now in phase II, Krimson's focus is on major expansion projects and broadening our customer base in East Africa and beyond. Our ambitions moving forward are aligned with building and managing the first dedicated business aviation FBO in Addis Ababa and enhancing our service offering to better serve the aviation community. With this team in place we are perfectly poised for growth.”