Bangladesh, July 11 -- Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has shortlisted former Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Tewolde Gebremariam for the role of its CEO, according to media reports.

The newly privatized carrier might officially announce the appointment by July 12, though formal processes remain pending, the reports said, citing a source familiar with the matter.

Under Gebremariam's leadership, Ethiopian Airlines grew into Africa's largest carrier, linking cities across the continent through its Addis Ababa hub.

Industry analysts expect his appointment could strengthen the Arif Habib-led consortium's efforts to turn around the struggling national airline following its acquisition of a majority stake.

PIA has un...