Kenya Airways Appoints Cargo Veteran Fitsum Abadi as Director
Kenya Airways (KQ) has appointed seasoned aviation expert Fitsum Abadi Gebrehawaria as its new Cargo Director, in a strategic move to strengthen the airline’s cargo operations amid soaring demand and an ambitious expansion agenda.
The announcement, made on Monday, signals a pivotal phase in KQ’s transformation journey, aimed at establishing Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as a leading logistics hub for the Central and Eastern Africa region.
Abadi brings over 25 years of industry experience, including key leadership roles at Ethiopian Airlines and Salam Air, and formerly served as Managing Director of Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services—one of Africa’s most successful cargo networks.
“With over 25 years of experience in operational efficiency, strategic expansion, and building global networks, Fitsum Abadi is poised to accelerate our cargo division’s growth trajectory,” said Allan Kilavuka, Group CEO of Kenya Airways.
KQ is riding a surge in cargo traffic, with current demand growing at 11% annually, nearly double pre-pandemic levels. The airline is now eyeing increased capacity with plans to acquire larger freighter aircraft by 2026.
The new appointment is expected to unlock fresh opportunities in intra-African trade, global logistics, and specialized freight markets including fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce.
Abadi’s leadership will focus on restructuring operations, streamlining supply chains, and expanding market share—a critical step in solidifying KQ’s position as the preferred cargo partner for regional and international clients.
“Mr. Abadi’s distinguished record in cargo market expansion and cultivating strong customer relationships makes him the ideal leader to guide our strategic vision,” added Kilavuka.
The move is also seen as a critical step in the implementation of Project Kifaru, KQ’s turnaround strategy that recently ended the airline’s 11-year profit drought, highlighting a renewed focus on profitable business units such as cargo.
