Kenya Airways Plc said on Tuesday that Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka will exit the airline as he proceeds on terminal leave ahead of the expiry of his contract, ending a six-year tenure at the helm of the national carrier.
The airline’s board said Kilavuka led Kenya Airways through the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing cost-cutting measures and strategic initiatives that helped maintain operations during one of the most challenging periods in the aviation industry.
Following the pandemic, the airline recorded growth in revenues, passenger traffic and cargo volumes, strengthening its sustainability and competitive position, the board said.
“To ensure a smooth transition, the Board has appointed Captain George Kamal, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, as Acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from Dec. 16, 2025,” Kenya Airways said in a statement.
The board said it would begin a competitive recruitment process to appoint a substantive CEO.
Kamal brings more than 29 years of aviation leadership experience across the Middle East and Africa. He previously served as operations director at Air Arabia and as chief operations and executive officer at Iraqi Airways. He holds a doctorate in business administration and a master’s degree in aviation management.
Kenya Airways said the board would support Kamal during the interim period as the airline continues to execute its turnaround strategy.
The strategy focuses on improving operational reliability, ensuring long-term sustainability and supporting growth, including efforts to attract a strategic investor with the backing of shareholders, the airline said.
Kenya Airways, in which the Kenyan government is the largest shareholder, has been restructuring its operations following years of losses compounded by the pandemic.
