Kenya Airways has confirmed the exit of its Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka, who has proceeded on terminal leave, marking a significant leadership transition at the national carrier barely weeks after it issued a profit warning.
In a statement released by the airline, the board announced the appointment of Chief Operating Officer Captain George Kamal as Acting Chief Executive Officer, effective 16 December 2025. The board said the appointment is aimed at ensuring operational continuity as the airline presses ahead with its turnaround plan and commences the search for a substantive chief executive.
The departure of Mr Kilavuka comes at a critical moment for Kenya Airways, which has been navigating a fragile recovery after years of financial distress, repeated restructurings, and state intervention. The airline recently warned investors that its financial performance for the current period would be weaker than previously anticipated, citing pressure on revenues and rising operational costs.
While the board did not directly link Mr Kilavuka’s exit to the profit warning, the timing has drawn attention to the challenges facing the airline as it seeks to restore sustainable profitability and reduce its reliance on government support.
Kenya Airways said its turnaround plan remains on course and that the leadership change will not disrupt ongoing strategic initiatives. The airline has been implementing measures focused on improving operational efficiency, strengthening cash flow, optimising its route network, and enhancing customer experience.
“The board remains fully committed to the execution of the turnaround strategy and to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the airline,” the company said.
Mr Kilavuka was appointed CEO in 2022 at a time when Kenya Airways was deep in financial distress, posting heavy losses and grappling with high debt levels, rising fuel costs, and the lingering impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on global aviation. His tenure focused on stabilising operations, restoring confidence among lenders and partners, and repositioning the airline within an increasingly competitive regional and global aviation market.
Under his leadership, the airline pursued operational restructuring, renegotiated supplier contracts, and worked to rebuild passenger volumes as travel demand recovered. Kenya Airways also sought to strengthen its hub position in Nairobi, expand regional connectivity, and rationalise underperforming routes.
However, the airline has continued to face headwinds, including volatile fuel prices, currency pressures, aircraft maintenance costs, and intense competition from regional and Middle Eastern carriers. These factors have weighed on margins and contributed to the recent profit warning issued to the market.
Captain George Kamal, who now assumes the role of Acting CEO, brings extensive operational experience to the position. As Chief Operating Officer, he has been responsible for flight operations, safety oversight, technical operations, and service delivery, areas that are central to the airline’s performance and reputation.
Industry analysts say the board’s decision to appoint an internal executive with deep operational knowledge reflects a desire for stability during a sensitive transition period.
“Continuity is critical for an airline at this stage of recovery. An acting CEO who understands the operational realities allows the board time to conduct a thorough search for a permanent leader without destabilising day-to-day operations,” said an aviation analyst familiar with Kenya Airways’ restructuring efforts.
The board has indicated that it will begin a formal recruitment process to identify a substantive Group Managing Director and CEO. The search is expected to focus on candidates with experience in airline turnarounds, financial restructuring, and managing complex stakeholder environments.
Kenya Airways has undergone several leadership changes over the past decade as it struggled with mounting losses and debt. In 2017, the government stepped in with a financial rescue package, and in 2020, the airline was placed under state control following the collapse of a proposed nationalisation plan.
Since then, the airline has been working under a restructuring framework aimed at restoring commercial viability while maintaining its role as Kenya’s national carrier and a key driver of tourism, trade, and regional connectivity.
The airline plays a strategic role in Kenya’s economy, supporting thousands of direct and indirect jobs and serving as a critical link between East Africa and global markets. Its performance is therefore closely watched by investors, policymakers, and the travelling public.
Kenya Airways shares have experienced periods of volatility, reflecting investor sensitivity to operational performance, leadership stability, and government policy signals. The recent profit warning had already raised concerns about near-term financial outcomes, making the leadership transition an additional focus for the market.
The board reiterated that the airline’s strategic direction remains unchanged and that management will continue executing initiatives aimed at strengthening revenue, improving cost discipline, and enhancing fleet utilisation.
Captain Kamal is expected to work closely with the board, shareholders, employees, and government stakeholders during the transition period as the airline navigates a challenging operating environment.
As Kenya Airways embarks on the next phase of its recovery journey, the appointment of a substantive CEO will be closely scrutinised as a signal of the airline’s long-term strategic priorities and commitment to financial discipline and operational excellence.
