Kenya Airways Appoints Captain George Kamal as Interim CEO Following Kilavuka’s Departure
Kenya Airways has announced a significant leadership transition, with Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka set to exit the airline after six years at the helm. Kilavuka will proceed on terminal leave effective 16 December 2025, ahead of the expiry of his contract, marking the end of a tenure defined by resilience and strategic transformation during some of the most challenging periods in the airline’s history.
During his stewardship, Kilavuka guided Kenya Airways through the turbulent COVID-19 pandemic, implementing robust cost-saving measures and strategic initiatives that safeguarded the airline’s operational viability. His leadership was instrumental in stabilizing the carrier, overseeing a recovery that saw growth in revenues, passenger numbers, and freight volumes. These achievements reaffirmed Kenya Airways’ sustainability and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving aviation landscape.
The Board and management have expressed their sincere gratitude to Kilavuka for his dedication, service, and leadership, wishing him success in his future endeavors. To ensure a seamless transition, the Board has appointed Captain George Kamal, the airline’s Chief Operating Officer, as Acting Group Managing Director and CEO, effective immediately. The Board will also initiate a competitive recruitment process to identify a substantive successor .
Captain Kamal brings a wealth of experience to the interim role, with over 29 years of leadership in the aviation sector across the Middle East and Africa. His career trajectory spans from frontline operations to senior executive positions, including transformative roles at Air Arabia and Iraqi Airways. Kamal holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and an MSc in Aviation Management, with recognized expertise in innovation, digitalization, and advanced aviation systems. His appointment is expected to provide continuity and stability as Kenya Airways navigates the next phase of its turnaround strategy .
The Board has pledged full support to Captain Kamal as he assumes executive leadership during this interim period. Looking ahead, the airline remains focused on completing its ongoing turnaround strategy, which aims to secure operational reliability, sustainability, and growth. A key component of this strategy is the search for a suitable strategic investor, with the backing of shareholders, to further strengthen the airline’s position in the competitive African and global aviation markets.
This leadership change comes at a pivotal moment for Kenya Airways and the broader African aviation sector. As the industry continues to recover from the pandemic’s impact and adapts to shifting market dynamics, the airline’s ability to maintain stability and pursue growth will be closely watched by stakeholders across the continent. The transition also highlights the importance of strong, visionary leadership in steering African carriers through periods of uncertainty and opportunity alike.
For Africa’s travel industry professionals, the developments at Kenya Airways underscore the need for agility, strategic planning, and investment in leadership talent. As the airline embarks on its next chapter under Captain Kamal’s stewardship, the focus will remain on operational excellence, customer experience, and forging new partnerships to drive sustainable growth in the years ahead.
