Kenya Airways has tapped a seasoned air cargo veteran, Fitsum Abadi Gebrehawaria, as its new director of cargo in a strategic move aimed at fast-tracking the airline’s freight division growth. Abadi, the former managing director of Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services, steps into the role at a pivotal moment for the Nairobi-based carrier.
The appointment is part of Kenya Airways’ broader ambition to expand its cargo operations, with plans underway to significantly boost capacity over the next two years. The airline is gearing up to acquire larger freighter aircraft by 2026 in response to surging demand — currently growing at an annual rate of around 11%, nearly twice the pace seen before the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Mr. Abadi’s appointment represents a significant milestone for Kenya Airways as we delve deeper into our strategic approach to capitalise on emerging opportunities in intra-African trade and global logistics markets,” said Allan Kilavuka, Group Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Airways. “His distinguished record in catalysing 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.”
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Cargo Potential at Nairobi Hub
The airline currently moves more than 70,000 tonnes of cargo annually through its hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Kenya Airways Cargo operates from an IATA CEIV-certified facility, which is undergoing expansion to meet rising demand for temperature-sensitive shipments such as meat, flowers, and fresh produce.
“We are looking at developing dedicated special product handling lanes for products such as meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, and flowers within this warehouse development project,” said Peter Musola, head of cargo commercial at Kenya Airways.
Kenya is Africa’s largest vegetable exporter and a major player in the global flower trade — commodities that require specialized cold-chain logistics.
Fleet Growth on the Horizon
To complement its infrastructure expansion, the airline has its eyes set on fleet upgrades. It has already integrated two Boeing 737-800 freighters into its cargo fleet, citing the aircraft’s extended range and versatility compared to the older 737-300Fs. Looking ahead, Kenya Airways has hinted at potential acquisitions of widebody freighters to further expand its geographical footprint.
Speaking at the Air Cargo Africa conference in Nairobi earlier this year, Musola confirmed the airline’s preference for the 737-800F model, calling it “really the model that we are looking at” for current and future growth. With Abadi at the helm, Kenya Airways appears poised to solidify its position as a key logistics player on the continent — and beyond.
