Naema Celestine 
BENMIKE WEKESA
According to Kenya Airways CEO, Allan Kilavuka, the airline is facing challenges in acquiring new aircraft due to production delays caused by backlogs at both Airbus and Boeing.
In a recent interview, Kilavuka discussed the airline’s first positive earnings since 2013, which were recorded in the first half of 2024.
This achievement has reinforced Kenya Airways’ strategy to return to profitability, despite the significant debt the airline carries. Kilavuka emphasized that to maintain profitability, the airline will need a capital injection to help repay its 120 billion shillings debt. He clarified that the funds provided by the national treasury are not bailouts but loans that Kenya Airways is expected to repay.
The airline plans to seek a strategic investor who will inject capital in exchange for a 49% stake, ensuring the airline remains majority Kenyan-owned. This capital will be used to expand the fleet by 40% and increase destinations from 48 to 60 within the next five years.
Kilavuka also highlighted the importance of finding an investor who can add value to the business, whether by complementing the airline’s network or helping restructure its finances. While acknowledging the need for airport modernization, Kilavuka expressed concerns about proposed fee hikes, stressing the importance of discussions with stakeholders before any changes are implemented.
He also voiced worries about the current macroeconomic environment in Kenya and globally, along with the impact of taxes and costs across Africa, which continue to challenge the airline’s operations.
