Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced changes to its leadership with the Managing Director and CEO Allan Kilavuka leaving the airline.
In a statement, the company’s board of directors revealed that Captain George Kamal, who until Kilavuka’s exit was the airline’s Chief Operating Officer, would take over in acting capacity effective December 16, 2025.
Kilavuka is leaving the organization following six years of service to the national carrier.
“Allan Kilavuka will be exiting the company as Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer as he proceeds on terminal leave ahead of the expiry of his contractual tenure, following six years of dedicated service at the helm of the airline,” said the statement.
The board praised Kilavuka for leading the airline to greater heights despite challenges such as the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“During his tenure, Kilavuka steered Kenya Airways with commitment and resilience through the turbulent COVID-19 period, implementing effective cost-saving measures and strategic initiatives that safeguarded the airline’s operational viability.”
It also elaborated that the former managing director and CEO oversaw growth in revenues, passenger numbers, and freight volumes, reaffirming the airline’s sustainability and competitiveness in the industry.
Who is Captain George Kamal?
Captain George Kamal is an aviation executive with over 29 years of leadership experience across the Middle East and African markets.
He rose from frontline operations to leading the transformation of several airlines through senior executive roles, most recently serving as the Operations Director at Air Arabia and Chief Operations and Executive Officer at Iraqi Airways.
He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and an MSc in Aviation Management, with expertise in innovation, digitalisation, and advanced aviation systems.
Following Kamal’s appointment, the board of directors at Kenya Airways committed to supporting his leadership to ensure the airline’s operations run smoothly during the transition period.
A look into the future for Kenya Airways (KQ)
As Kamal takes over the managing director-CEO role in acting capacity, the board will concurrently initiate a competitive recruitment process to appoint a substantive successor after Kilavuka’s term came to an end.
Kenya Airways is a leading African carrier that connects people, cultures, and markets in Africa and around the world. It offers flights to 43 destinations worldwide, 34 of which are in Africa.
It also connects over 5 million passengers and over 70,000 tonnes of cargo annually through the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
The airline has consistently earned global recognition, including Skytrax World Airline Awards for Best Airline Staff and Best Airline Cabin Crew.
However, it has had a difficult time making profits with the government in the past bailing it out to keep operations running. It remains to be seen whether the new leadership will have better financial outcomes.
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