African Pilot Weekly Magazine 18:2026

On the sidelines of the recently held AFRAA MRO event in Addis Ababa, we had a catch-up with Captain George Kamal, Acting CEO of Kenya Airways and Chairman of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).

Africa’s fleet is expected to grow to around 1,600 aircraft by 2044, with demand for approximately 74,000 aviation professionals. At the same time, the average aircraft age sits at 15.1 years, increasing maintenance pressure across the continent.

Engine turnaround times have extended to more than 120 days. Spare parts availability remains inconsistent. Financing costs are higher. The result is grounded aircraft and direct financial impact.

At Kenya Airways, a single aircraft on the ground for six months can result in losses of approximately $32 million.

African airlines are operating on thin margins. Profit per seat is estimated at around $1.3, compared to significantly higher returns in other regions.

Captain Kamal outlines the structural constraints:

• fragmented regulatory environment limiting the movement of licensed engineers
• limited coordination across African airlines
• supply chain bottlenecks affecting engines, parts and maintenance slots

He argues that Africa cannot continue as a consumer and must build its own MRO capability, workforce pipeline and a coordinated industry approach.

The discussion also points to a shift from planning to execution, with active engagement between major African carriers, including Ethiopian Airlines, to coordinate demand and engage OEMs more effectively.

Captain George Kamal also highlights the impact of grounded fleet and MRO supply chain constraints on the balance sheet, and outlines Kenya Airways’ cargo strategy, which is already becoming a reality. Cargo capacity has expanded from 70 tonnes to 180 tonnes per day within three months, with a target of more than 250 tonnes per day as part of the airline’s recovery.

This is a direct, operator-level view of Africa’s aviation economics, MRO constraints and the decisions shaping the continent’s airline industry.