Kenya Airways CEO Defends Carrier, Eyes Cargo Growth

Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka has defended the national carrier’s importance to the economy and laid out plans to double its cargo revenue, even as the airline weathers fresh financial losses. In an opinion piece for The Standard on September 9, Kilavuka responded to critics questioning Kenya Airways’ viability after it swung from a KES5.4 billion (USD41.8 million) net profit in 2024 to a half-year loss of KES12.15 billion (USD94 million) in 2025.

He said global supply chain disruptions, grounded aircraft awaiting parts and engine overhauls, and geopolitical shocks have hit airlines worldwide. For Kenya Airways, three grounded Boeing 787-8s cut capacity by 20%, causing an estimated KES12.6 billion (USD97.5 million) revenue loss over six months while fixed costs remained unchanged.

Kilavuka outlined reforms aimed at long-term sustainability, including expanding maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, growing cargo operations and investing in future technologies through its innovation arm, Fahari Aviation. The airline’s EASA-certified MRO facility already services multiple African carriers.

“KQ aims to double its cargo-derived revenue from 10% to 20%, capitalising on surging airfreight demand,” he said, noting the recent acquisition of two Boeing 737-800(SF) freighters with more additions planned.

Kilavuka stressed that Kenya Airways contributes USD2.6 billion to Kenya’s GDP, supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and is vital to agribusiness and manufacturing exports. He reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to strategic alliances and consolidation of aviation assets, arguing that such partnerships are key to resilience and growth for African carriers.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com