Allan Kilavuka, the CEO of Kenya Airways, has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) during the 56th Annual General Assembly and Summit in Cairo, Egypt. This is a significant milestone not only for Kilavuka but also for the African aviation industry as a whole.
With his extensive leadership experience in both the aviation sector and the corporate world, Kilavuka is well-positioned to drive AFRAA’s mission of strengthening African airlines and enhancing their global competitiveness.
Kilavuka’s journey to becoming a prominent figure in African aviation began with a solid educational foundation. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi and a Certificate in Psychology from the University of Liverpool in the UK.
His combination of business expertise and psychological insight has provided him with a unique leadership approach—blending strategic vision with an understanding of human dynamics.
In addition, Kilavuka attended advanced management, executive leadership, and financial management courses at Crotonville Leadership Institute, a prestigious training center owned by General Electric (GE) in New York.
This experience sharpened his skills in high-level decision-making and management, preparing him for the challenges of leadership in complex environments.
Before entering the aviation industry, Kilavuka built a successful career in the corporate world. He served as the head of General Electric (GE) in Sub-Saharan Africa, overseeing operations across the region.
This role provided him with valuable experience in managing large-scale operations and navigating the dynamic African business landscape. He also held various leadership positions at Deloitte in Sub-Saharan Africa, gaining further experience in strategic management and consulting.
Leadership at Jambojet and Kenya Airways
Kilavuka’s journey in aviation began in 2018 when he was appointed CEO of Jambojet. His leadership helped Jambojet strengthen its position in Africa’s competitive aviation market.
In April 2020 he took over as CEO of Kenya Airways, during a challenging period for the airline amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
His effective management has led to a significant reduction in the airline’s annual losses. In recognition of his accomplishments, Kenya Airways’ board extended Kilavuka’s CEO contract until April 2026. He was also honored with tthe 2024 African Aviation Leadership Award.
As AFRAA Chairperson, Kilavuka will lead the association for a one-year term, with the possibility of renewal. His role will include guiding AFRAA’s strategic direction, advocating for policies that support the growth and sustainability of African airlines, and fostering greater collaboration among African carriers.
In his acceptance speech, Kilavuka expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “It is a privilege to be entrusted with the role of AFRAA Chairperson. I am deeply appreciative of this opportunity and look forward to working alongside industry peers to amplify Africa’s voice in global aviation, build on greater collaboration, and drive strategic initiatives to enable Africa’s airlines to navigate current challenges and seize new opportunities.”
He further emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “Together, we can advance Africa’s aviation industry to benefit all stakeholders and the communities we serve.” Kilavuka’s vision of a more collaborative and competitive African aviation sector is timely, as the industry looks to recover from the pandemic and expand its global reach.
Kilavuka’s appointment as AFRAA Chairperson represents a new era of leadership for Africa’s aviation sector.
As AFRAA Chairperson, Kilavuka is set to play a pivotal role in advocating for policies that promote collaboration, sustainability, and global competitiveness for African airlines. His appointment signals a promising future for Africa’s aviation industry, one built on greater unity and strategic growth.
