Kenya Airways’ Acting CEO Discusses Turnaround and Future Growth

Kenya Airways has recently experienced a significant transformation, emerging from one of its toughest periods with renewed financial stability.

In 2024, the carrier reported a net profit of 5.4 billion Kenyan Shillings (around US$42 million), marking its first profitable year in over a decade. This turnaround, largely attributed to Project Kifaru, has prioritized operational excellence, revenue diversification, and stringent cost management.

Fleet Expansion Strategy

To move beyond its previous challenges, Kenya Airways has initiated a five-year strategy to expand its fleet, planning to increase its aircraft from 34 to 59 by 2032. The airline aims to raise approximately US$500 million to support this growth. In December 2025, it sought governmental approval to operate a secondary hub at Accra’s Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Ghana for its Embraer E190 aircraft.

Beyond enhancing its fleet, Kenya Airways intends to generate additional revenue through in-house services, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), and by advancing its air cargo operations.

Leadership Transition

December 2025 was also a critical month for Kenya Airways, with CEO Allan Kilavuka resigning after six years. His successor, George Kamal, who previously served as Chief Operating Officer, took over as acting CEO. Kamal brings extensive industry experience, having held senior roles at various airlines, including Etihad Airways and Air Arabia.

In an interview with Kamal and his team in Nairobi, he shared his vision for positioning Kenya Airways as a leading African airline. He emphasized the airline’s commitment to connecting Africa to global markets.

The Importance of Accessibility

Kamal highlighted Kenya Airways’ mission to make travel accessible for all. He shared, “We want travel to be feasible for everyone, not exclusively for the wealthy.” With visa-free access for Africans and convenient visa-on-arrival options for many, the airline seeks to cater to a diverse passenger base, facilitating travel for 5.2 million passengers in 2024—a record for the airline.

Leaving the Crisis Behind

The ongoing Fleet Expansion Project, part of a wider overhaul dubbed Project Kifaru, repositioned the airline for aggressive growth following necessary downsizing. After returning to profitability in 2024, Kamal reported a positive EBITDAR of 14.5 billion Kenyan Shillings (approximately US$112.5 million), affirming the resilience of Kenya Airways.

Though the airline faced challenges in early 2025, including the grounding of three of its nine B787 Dreamliners due to engine issues, Kamal remained optimistic. He anticipated reactivating the grounded planes once spare engines became available.

Further Fleet Plans

Interestingly, the airline is pursuing the return of a Boeing 777 currently leased to Turkish Airlines, aiming to boost operational capacity. Kamal indicated that Kenya Airways might also acquire additional 777s to meet increasing business class demand, particularly on the London route.

Fleet updates plan to phase out smaller Embraer jets in favor of larger Boeing 737s, which will better accommodate passenger baggage, aligning with the needs of the African market.

Strategic Partnerships

Kenya Airways seeks to enhance its international reach by forming partnerships, including a recent codeshare agreement with Qatar Airways. This collaboration provides customers with access to a broader network, furthering the airline’s growth and operational capabilities.

Developments in Air Cargo

Air cargo remains a vital part of Kenya Airways’ operations. The airline’s dedicated cargo center at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport efficiently manages freight for both the airline and third-party operators. Notably, the center accommodates perishables, with 340 tons of pharmaceuticals processed weekly and a focus on fresh produce transported mainly to Europe and the Middle East.

MRO Excellence

Kenya Airways has also built a robust MRO center that serves its fleet and third-party clients. The facility has garnered recognition for its high performance metrics and plans for expansion that will further establish its status as a top aviation maintenance provider in Africa.

Diversifying Revenue Streams

During a facility tour, Kamal showcased the diverse ventures Kenya Airways is cultivating, including ground handling services, advanced air mobility, and even a medical tourism hospital. The airline is venturing into the bottled water market with KQuench and plans a recycling initiative to convert plastic waste into fuel for ground services.

Training at the Pride Center

Finally, Kenya Airways is investing in staff training at the Pride Center, aiming to expand its educational offerings through a partnership with London Metropolitan University. This collaboration promises to enrich aviation management and engineering programs, preparing a skilled workforce for the future.

As Kenya Airways moves forward, it seems poised to leave its challenging past behind and embrace new opportunities on the horizon. What are your thoughts on the future of Kenya Airways?