• Kenya Airways appointed Chief Operating Officer George Kamal as interim CEO following Allan Kilavuka’s departure.
• Kilavuka exits after steering the airline through Covid-19 and restoring profitability in 2024.
• The carrier plans a $500 million capital raise by early 2026 to expand its fleet and diversify operations.

Allan Kilavuka has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Airways. The airline appointed Captain George Kamal, its current Chief Operating Officer, as interim CEO to lead a transition period that will culminate in the appointment of a permanent successor. Management said Kilavuka took end-of-term leave ahead of the official expiration of his contract.

Kilavuka joined the helm of the national carrier in 2019 and led the airline through one of the most difficult periods in its history. During his tenure, Kenya Airways confronted the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and implemented cost-cutting measures and strategic initiatives aimed at preserving operational viability. This restructuring phase coincided with growth in revenue, passenger traffic and cargo volumes.

In 2024, the airline, which had long struggled with heavy debt and relied on support from the Kenyan state, returned to profitability for the first time in more than a decade. The company said a 10% increase in capacity supported a 4% rise in traffic, bringing total passengers carried during the year to 5.23 million.

George Kamal, who brings more than 29 years of leadership experience in the aviation sector across the Middle East and Africa, now takes charge in an environment still shaped by structural challenges. A key priority remains the return to sustainable financial balance. Despite the recovery recorded in 2024, Kenya Airways posted a pre-tax loss of 12.17 billion Kenyan shillings, or about $94.5 million, in the first half of 2025.

At the same time, the airline continues to pursue expansion and diversification. Management announced plans to raise $500 million by the first quarter of 2026 to strengthen the fleet, with the aim of increasing aircraft numbers from 34 to 53 over the next five years. On diversification, Kenya Airways is also focusing on local production of sustainable aviation fuel and the development of urban air mobility services, including flying taxis.

 Henoc Dossa