NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka has stepped down after six years leading the national carrier, marking the end of a tenure defined by crisis management and a gradual turnaround.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the airline’s Board of Directors said Kilavuka will proceed on terminal leave ahead of the expiry of his contract, clearing the way for a leadership transition at the flag carrier.
Chief Operating Officer Captain George Kamal has been appointed acting CEO with effect from December 16, 2025, as the Board begins the search for a substantive replacement.
Kilavuka took charge of Kenya Airways in 2019, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic plunged the global aviation industry into its worst crisis in history.
Kenya Airways has announced that Group MD and CEO Allan Kilavuka will exit the company as he proceeds on terminal leave ahead of the expiry of his contract after six years in the role.The Board has appointed COO Captain George Kamal as Acting Group MD and CEO effective 16
The Board credited him with steering the airline through the turbulence, while stabilising operations and rebuilding revenue streams in the post-pandemic period.
“During his tenure, Allan served with commitment, dedication, honour and diligence, steering the Company through the turbulent COVID-19 period, which affected the aviation sector negatively,” the Board said.
It added that under his leadership, Kenya Airways recorded growth in revenues and freight volumes, reinforcing the airline’s operational viability amid ongoing restructuring efforts.
“The Board and management of the Company express their gratitude to Allan for his diligence, service, leadership and dedication to the Airline over the years, and wish him the best in his future endeavours,” the statement read.
Kenya Airways (KQ) announces the exit of Allan Kilavuka as Group MD & CEO after 6 years.The airline’s COO, Captain George Kamal, takes over in interim capacity.Kilavuka exits as the airline scouts for a strategic investor to cure the perennial negative equity
Captain Kamal, who now assumes the role in an acting capacity, brings more than 29 years of aviation leadership experience spanning the Middle East and Africa.
The Board described him as a seasoned executive who has risen through frontline operations to senior management roles.
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 of Science degree in Aviation Management.
The Board said it will work closely with Captain Kamal during the transition, while maintaining focus on Kenya Airways’ ongoing turnaround strategy aimed at improving operational reliability, long-term sustainability and growth.
The strategy also includes the pursuit of a suitable strategic investor, a key pillar in the airline’s efforts to stabilise its finances and strengthen its balance sheet.
“The Board takes this opportunity to thank all stakeholders for their continued support,” it said.
