Kenya Association of Air Operators, 27592, Nairobi (2026)

26/03/2026

Our KYC Series continues, and this week, we stepped into the backbone of aviation support at Africair, Inc.

With over decades of experience, .flying has been quietly powering aviation across the continent, not from the cockpit, but from behind the scenes. As the largest distributor of Textron Aviation aircraft in the world and a key representative for Bell helicopters across Africa, their work spans aircraft supply, parts, technical support, and maintenance solutions that keep fleets operational across diverse and often challenging environments.

During our visit, we gained insight into the scale and depth of their operations, supporting hundreds of operators and aircraft across Africa, and ensuring that from fixed-wing aircraft to helicopters, operators have the reliability and support they need to keep flying.

What stood out most is this: aviation doesn’t run on aircraft alone. It runs on systems, support, expertise, and partnerships, and Africair is a key part of that engine.

We commend the Africair team for the critical role they continue to play in strengthening aviation across the continent, proving that behind every successful flight is a strong support system on the ground.

AviationSupport KenyaAviation StrongerTogether

19/03/2026

Feminine Power in Action!

Our CEO, Liz Aluvanze, reminds us: “Competency doesn’t choose gender.” True strength comes from knowing your craft, mastering your skills, and having the confidence to step into your role fully, regardless of who you are or where you come from.

This Women’s Month, KAAO celebrates women who embody expertise, determination, and leadership, proving that excellence knows no gender.

KAAO

15/03/2026

The KATCA 48th Annual General Meeting, held on 13 March 2026, and themed “Building a Resilient Future; Strengthening the Workforce through Modernization, Safety and Collaboration,” brought together key stakeholders from across the aviation sector to discuss the future of Air Navigation Services and workforce development.

KAAO was honored to participate, with our CEO Liz Aluvanze attending as an invited guest. The engagement provided an important platform to reaffirm the value of collaboration between air navigation service providers, regulators and operators in maintaining safe and efficient airspace operations.

We were also pleased to see strong representation from KAAO member airlines, including Jambojet and Safarilink Aviation, reflecting the industry’s collective commitment to safety, operational excellence, and a resilient aviation ecosystem.

IFATCA

13/03/2026

On 11th March, the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) joined a walkabout at Wilson Airport, alongside the Government Delivery Unit (GDU) team—comprising Peter Kitheka, Infrastructure Lead Director, and Joseph Njoroge, Assistant Director Service Delivery, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) project engineer and the project contractor.

The visit provided an opportunity to observe the ongoing rehabilitation works on Runway 14/32 and associated infrastructure, and to appreciate the progress being made on the project.

KAAO continues to collaborate with KAA to ensure the works advance on schedule, reflecting the strategic importance of Wilson Airport in Kenya’s aviation network.

Recognized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as Sub- Saharan Africa’s busiest general aviation airport, Wilson’s continued operational and infrastructural excellence remains essential to the sector.

AviationSafety

10/03/2026

Our KYC Series continues, and on 5th March, we had the opportunity to step into the future of aviation logistics at .

We sat down with Charles Kariuki, Zipline's country director, whose insights offered a closer look at how drone technology is quietly transforming access to healthcare. From their hub serving the Kisumu and Lake Region, Zipline’s autonomous drones deliver blood, vaccines, and essential medical supplies directly to health facilities — cutting delivery times from hours to minutes and ensuring that critical care reaches patients when it matters most.

But the impact stretches far beyond one region. Today, Zipline operates across five markets — Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire, demonstrating how aviation innovation can strengthen health systems and bring lifesaving services closer to communities.

One thing was clear during our visit: every launch is more than a delivery. It’s a promise that healthcare can arrive faster, smarter, and exactly when it’s needed.

A big commendation to the Zipline team for pushing the boundaries of what aviation can do, and for showing us that sometimes the smallest aircraft can carry the biggest impact.

AviationWithImpact 🚁

08/03/2026

KAAO proudly acknowledge the outstanding contributions of the women who support and strengthen the Association’s work — from our Board Members Captain Mary Kai and Winnie Nafula, to our CEO Liz Aluvanze, Administrative Officer Lydiah Magu, and Stakeholder Lead Sally Ngunjiri. Their leadership, professionalism, and commitment continue to reinforce KAAO’s role as the unified voice of air operators in Kenya.

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, KAAO remains committed to supporting greater inclusion, opportunity, and leadership for women across the sector.

08/03/2026

Today is about celebrating women who show up, stand out, and shape the world in ways both big and small. The visionaries, the leaders, the problem-solvers, and the ones who continue to open doors for others to follow. ✨

This International Women’s Day 2026, the theme “Give To Gain” reminds us that when women are supported, empowered, and given the space to lead, the ripple effect is powerful, industries grow stronger, communities thrive, and the future becomes brighter.

The Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) is honored to celebrate the incredible women in aviation and beyond who continue to challenge limits, inspire excellence, and prove that the sky is only the beginning. 💜✈️

05/03/2026

On 3rd March, the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) convened a meeting at the Kenya Airports Authority Headquarters on the Cape Town Convention, an international treaty that protects aircraft financiers, makes aircraft financing easier, and helps drive growth in the aviation sector.

The session was led by Spencer West Kenya legal team, and was attended by representatives from KCAA, KAA legal teams, and our members. Together, we unpacked what the Convention means for Kenya, explored practical applications, and discussed how it can strengthen legal frameworks, protect industry stakeholders, and align our practices with global standards.

KAAO continues to champion knowledge-sharing and collaboration, ensuring that Kenya’s aviation industry is informed, empowered, and ready to embrace opportunities for growth, investment, and sustainable development.

KenyaAviation AviationFinance IndustryCollaboration KnowledgeSharing WomenInAviation AviationGrowth LegalFrameworks AviationInvestment SustainableAviation

03/03/2026

Since 1959, aviation has meant something more at Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF).

Yesterday, as part of our ongoing KYC (Know Your Customer) Series, we had the privilege of visiting an organization that has quietly and consistently delivered not just passengers and cargo, but hope.

In some of the most remote and marginalized communities, where roads fade and access is limited, MAF aircraft become lifelines. They carry medical supplies, humanitarian teams, and critical support, but perhaps most importantly, they carry reassurance that no community is forgotten.

For over six decades, this mission has remained steady. Consistent. Purpose-driven.

We commend MAF for the extraordinary work they continue to do, for choosing impact over visibility, service over spotlight, and for reminding us that aviation is not only a commercial engine, but a humanitarian force.

Their story reinforces a truth we deeply believe in: aviation is a full ecosystem. From commercial operators to humanitarian missions, from regulators to technical experts, every player strengthens the chain.

When aviation serves the marginalized, it serves the nation.

02/03/2026

The Airlines, Capital & Connectivity Forum held from 25 to 26 February 2026 in Nairobi, convened by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Airlines Association in collaboration with the African Development Bank Group, brought together policymakers, airline leaders, financiers, OEMs, and development institutions to formally launch the Integrated Aviation Transformation Program (IATP) - a decisive step toward reshaping Africa’s aviation landscape.
For Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) members and stakeholders, the discussions directly addressed the structural constraints affecting operators across the continent, from elevated aircraft financing costs and aging fleets to infrastructure gaps and regulatory fragmentation. With Africa representing 18% of the global population but only 2–3% of global air traffic, the urgency for coordinated, execution-driven solutions were clear.
At the center of the initiative is the Aviation Finance & Connectivity Facility (AFCF); a USD 7 billion blended-finance platform designed to unlock capital for fleet renewal, airport modernization, MRO expansion, sustainability initiatives and strengthened regional connectivity. These pillars align closely with KAAO’s advocacy on sustainable cost structures, competitive financing and infrastructure that supports safe and efficient operations.
Importantly, the engagement moved beyond strategy to transaction structuring - demonstrating what an IATP pilot deal could look like in practice and signaling a shift from dialogue to implementation.
For Kenya and the broader region, the message was clear: Africa’s aviation transformation is no longer a distant ambition, it is an active investment agenda grounded in partnership, capital mobilization and measurable outcomes.

27/02/2026

The East African Business & Investment Summit & Expo 2026, held from 25th–26th February at the Safari Park Hotel, convened regional leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to advance dialogue on trade, investment, and connectivity, with aviation recognized as a key pillar of regional integration.

On Day 2, our CEO, Liz Aluvanze joined a high-level aviation panel alongside Ms.Jackline Kwagala of East African Community Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency ( CASSOA) and Mr. Deo Nyanzi CEO,Uganda Airlines. The session was moderated by Capt. Gilbert M Kibe , Ambassador of SAATM and former Director General of Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.

During the discussion, Liz reaffirmed KAAO’s support for open skies as a catalyst for a more connected, competitive, and resilient regional aviation market, while emphasizing the need for a phased and deliberate implementation. She underscored infrastructure development, sustainable cost structures, and regulatory alignment as critical enablers, and highlighted the importance of collaboration among operators, both large and small, to ensure liberalization expands opportunity across the entire ecosystem.

KAAO remains committed to working alongside regulators and industry partners to ensure open skies delivers meaningful connectivity, commercial sustainability, and long-term growth for the region. 🌍

26/02/2026

A unified commitment to advancing Team Kenya 🇰🇪✈️

Yesterday, the Chairman of Kenya Association of Air Operators, Mbuvi Ngunze, together with KAAO CEO, Liz Aluvanze, joined the Acting Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways, Captain George Kamal, for a courtesy engagement.

As a long-standing member of the Association, Kenya Airways remains a valued pillar of the KAAO community. The engagement reaffirmed the full support of the KAAO Board and the Association to the national carrier and reflected a shared commitment to continue working together for the betterment of Team Kenya and the sustained strength and resilience of the aviation sector.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire KAAO membership, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and wish Captain George Kamal continued success as he steers the Pride of Africa to even greater heights.

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