The Board of Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced a significant leadership transition, appointing Captain George Kamal as the Acting Group Managing Director and CEO, effective December 16, 2025. This move follows the departure of Allan Kilavuka, who is leaving after a six-year tenure that redefined the carrier’s resilience in the face of unprecedented global turbulence.
As the Board initiates a competitive search for a substantive successor, Captain Kamal—previously the airline’s Chief Operating Officer (COO)—steps into the role at a moment when “The Pride of Africa” is balancing a historic return to profitability with the complex operational demands of a post-pandemic recovery.
The Kilavuka Legacy: From Crisis to “Africa’s Leading Airline”
Allan Kilavuka’s exit marks the end of a stint characterized by grit and strategic pivots. Taking over in April 2020—just as the COVID-19 pandemic grounded global aviation—Kilavuka steered KQ through its darkest hours. Under his leadership, the airline launched Project Kifaru, a multi-year turnaround strategy focused on cost containment, network expansion, and customer obsession.
His efforts bore significant fruit in early 2025 when Kenya Airways recorded its first net profit in 11 years, a staggering KSh 5.4 billion turnaround. This period also saw KQ reclaim its crown at the 2025 World Travel Awards, winning four top honors, including “Africa’s Leading Airline. The National carrier has also won at the Kenya Travel Industry Business Awards (KeTIBA) two years in a row for its improving excellence in service delivery. Kilavuka’s tenure also pushed the boundaries of sustainability, overseeing Africa’s first intra-continental flight powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in October 2025.
Enter Captain George Kamal: The Operational Architect
In Captain George Kamal, the Board has chosen an executive with a deep, “frontline-to-C-suite” understanding of the industry. With over 29 years of experience across Africa and the Middle East, Kamal is an expert in aviation transformation and digitalization.
Before joining KQ as COO in March 2023, Kamal held high-stakes roles, including:
- Operations Director at Air Arabia, where he managed low-cost efficiency at scale.
- Chief Operations & Executive Officer at Iraqi Airways, leading the carrier through complex regional recovery.
- Captain and Type Rating Instructor at Etihad Airways and EgyptAir, bringing technical mastery to the executive table.
Kamal holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Aviation Management, specializing in “Aviation Management Transformation in the New Digital Decade.” His appointment signals the Board’s intent to double down on operational reliability and the integration of advanced aviation systems.
The 2026 Horizon: Challenges and Opportunities
Captain Kamal assumes leadership at a time of immense opportunity for Kenya Airways. Far from facing obstacles, the airline is positioned to capitalize on a series of strategic milestones that will cement its dominance in the region.
- Maximizing Fleet Potential: As global supply chain pressures ease by mid-2026, Captain Kamal is focused on the full restoration of fleet capacity. With the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners returning to service, KQ is set to meet the surging demand for its award-winning long-haul services.
- A Cornerstone of National Progress: Kamal will oversee KQ’s integral role in the KSh 5 trillion ($38 billion) national infrastructure fund. This includes the massive modernization of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), set to begin in early 2026. This project is not just an upgrade; it is a declaration of Nairobi’s status as the commercial heart of Africa.
- Attracting Global Investment: Building on the airline’s newfound financial strength, Kamal will continue the search for a strategic investor. With a strengthened balance sheet and a clear path to sustainable growth, KQ is now one of the most attractive investment opportunities in global aviation.
A Seamless Transition
The Board has reiterated its unequivocal support for Captain Kamal, noting that his “frontline-to-C-suite” experience makes him uniquely qualified to lead this transition. As the airline prepares to host the 2026 Aviation Africa Summit in Nairobi, the mood is one of overwhelming optimism.
Kenya Airways is no longer an airline in recovery; it is an airline in ascent. Under the guidance of Captain George Kamal, the “Pride of Africa” is ready to reach new heights, fueled by innovation, sustainability, and an unwavering commitment to connecting Africa to the world.
