Kenya Airways (KQ) has raised the alarm over a suspected fake pilot allegedly operating within the aviation industry, posing a serious security threat.
The airline in post on Thursday, January 16, cautioned passengers and stakeholders to remain vigilant, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of its operations.
According to Kenya Airways, the imposter, identified as James Mwangi, has been distributing business cards and falsely claiming to be an employee of the airline.
To expose the deception, the airline flagged one of the business cards with a prominent “FAKE” stamp, warning the public against engaging with the individual.
“Please be aware of a fake captain by the name James Mwangi issuing business cards and falsely claiming to be a Kenya Airways employee,” read the statement in part.
Kenya Airways Unmasks Fake Pilot
KQ added, “This individual is NOT associated with us. For accurate information about Kenya Airways and our employees, always rely on our official channels and website.
At the same time, KQ asked the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to their team via Call or WhatsApp at +254741111485.
Also Read: Kenya Airways Announces Resumption of Flights to Heathrow, London
In the flagged business card, the fake pilot had shared his email, address phone numbers and a fake fleet number.
Kenya Airways’ fleet comprises wide-body Boeing aircraft, including its flagship B787 Dreamliner, and narrow-body Embraer E190 aircraft.
Kenya Airways (KQ) prides itself on operating with a team of highly skilled and qualified pilots who meet stringent professional standards to ensure safety and excellence in aviation.
Becoming a pilot for Kenya Airways is no easy feat, as the airline sets rigorous qualifications for its flight crew.
Pilot licenses are issued and renewed annually by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), upon establishing that the holder has met the required knowledge and experiences.
Also Read: Kenya Airways to Move Plane by Road Through Nairobi
Qualifications for Kenya Airways Pilots
To join the ranks of KQ’s elite pilots, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Must be a Kenyan citizen.
- Licensing: Possess a valid Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) with an instrument rating.
- Flight Experience: A minimum of 4,000 flight hours, including 2,000 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC), with at least 500 PIC hours on an aircraft weighing 15 tonnes or more.
- Education: Hold an “O” Level certificate with at least a C- grade in English, mathematics, and either physics, chemistry, or physical sciences.
- Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is essential.
- Soft Skills: Strong communication abilities and a customer-focused mindset.
- Personal Attributes: Demonstrate a high level of integrity, team spirit, and professionalism.
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