Kenya Airways Appoints Fitsum Abadi Gebrehawaria as Director

Kenya Airways (KQ) has named aviation industry veteran Fitsum Abadi Gebrehawaria as its new Cargo Director.

In a Monday, April 14 notice, the national carrier indicated that the move is significant and strategic as it boosts its cargo operations.

Moreover, the appointment comes at a critical juncture for the national carrier, which is executing a bold cargo transformation agenda aimed at positioning Nairobi as a major regional logistics hub.

Kenya Airways is riding a wave of rising cargo demand, estimated at an annual growth rate of 11%, nearly double the pre-pandemic levels.

Additionally, with the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) already serving as a key transit point for goods into Central and Eastern Africa, Kenya Airways’ cargo division has the potential to serve as a gateway for fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce goods, and humanitarian supplies.

Also Read: Project Kifaru: Kenya Airways Comeback Strategy That Ended 11-Year Profit Drought

Qualifications of the Kenya Airways Director, Fitsum Abadi Gebrehawaria 

Abadi brings to the airline over 25 years of industry expertise, with a decorated career spanning senior leadership roles at Ethiopian Airlines and Salam Air.

Additionally, he has served as the Managing Director of Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services, one of Africa’s most successful cargo operations.

“With over 25 years of industry experience, honing expertise in operational efficiency, strategic market expansion, and the development of robust global networks, Abadi is expected to play a pivotal role in accelerating growth across the airline’s cargo division,” stated Kenya Airways. 

To meet the rising cargo demands, the airline is pursuing an expansion plan that includes the acquisition of larger freighter aircraft by 2026.

Also Read: Kenya Airways Profit Rises 124% to Ksh5.4 Billion

Therefore, Abadi Gebrehawaria has been brought on board to oversee the deepening its footprint in intra-African and global logistics markets.

“Mr. Abadi’s appointment represents a significant milestone for Kenya Airways as we delve deeper into our strategic approach to capitalize on emerging opportunities in intra-African trade and global logistics markets,

“His distinguished record in catalyzing cargo market expansion and fostering enduring customer relationships positions him as the ideal leader to guide our division in achieving our most ambitious performance objectives,” said Allan Kilavuka, Group CEO of Kenya Airways. 

At Kenya Airways, Abadi is expected to leverage this experience to restructure cargo operations, streamline supply chain logistics, and position the airline as a preferred partner for regional and international freight clients.

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