Kenya Airways Unveils Landmark 2024 Sustainability Report

Ever wondered what it takes to fly sustainably? Well, we’ve pulled back the curtains. Our 2024 Sustainability Report takes you on a journey of how we have embedded sustainability into the very heart of who we are. Kenya Airways' vision is clear: to be ‘Africa's sustainable aviation Group’.

Our first-ever stand-alone and externally assured 2024 Sustainability Report highlights our robust progress across environmental, social, and economic pillars. To us, sustainability isn't a separate department; it permeates every aspect of our business. Governing how we treat our employees, our customers, and how we fly. The airlines' record profit of Ksh5.4 billion, after tax, for the financial year ending December 31, 2024 demonstrates that sustainable business is indeed profitable.

 As Allan Kilavuka, our Group Managing Director & CEO, has emphasized, "Sustainability is the cornerstone of our operations," reflecting a cultural shift where every decision is evaluated by its ESG impact. This report is a testament to our vision of becoming "Africa’s preferred and sustainable aviation group," driving innovation, fostering partnerships, and reimagining African aviation through a sustainable lens. 

At the core of our sustainable journey are our incredible people, a team that reflects the vibrant tapestry of our world. Women constitute 44% of our workforce, with female representation in leadership at 17% and a clear target to reach 25% by 2030, aligning with ICAO projections. We’re not just broadening diversity by gender and individuals with disabilities, but we have deepened our inclusion efforts through internship programs for neurodivergent youth and increased hiring of persons with disabilities.

 We’re ahead of the curve with 8% female pilots compared to an industry average of 4-5%. As Tom Shivo, our Chief People Officer, points out, our commitment to "inclusivity in the technical areas" is a strategy rooted in action. “We're not just talking about it; we're building facilities, setting up training schools, and offering sponsorships and internships to nurture the next generation of pilots and engineers.”

Environmentally, our compass is firmly set on achieving Net Zero by 2050. Already, 12% of our ground service equipment is powered by renewables, an option that is 50% cleaner than fossil fuels. By 2030, we aim to transition 25% of our ground service equipment to electric. 

We are also pioneering Kenya’s first Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production plant in Kwale and have pledged to plant 1.2 million trees annually. These bold initiatives are not only aligned with Kenya’s national environmental goals but also contribute to a sustainable, more resilient aviation ecosystem.

But sustainability isn’t just about what we burn; it's also about what we leave behind. We have made substantial progress, including a 15% reduction in waste and a ban on single-use plastics, replacing them with renewable paper. These seemingly small changes, multiplied across our global operations, make a significant difference.

Looking ahead, we’re developing exciting new products to empower our eco-conscious travelers. Soon, our customers will be able to offset their carbon footprint directly through a carbon offset program integrated directly into their booking flow. We're also launching a dynamic, customer-centric app that will offer personalized ideas on how you can make your travel more sustainable, one journey at a time.

As we chart the path ahead, our commitment to sustainability remains unwavering. This report is not just a reflection of our achievement, it’s a call to action for all of us to continue driving a positive change. Together we will build on this momentum, embracing innovation, deepening our impact and working collaboratively to shape a future where aviation uplifts communities and protect our planet. The journey is just beginning and everyone of us has a role t play in making Kenya Airways a beacon of sustainable excellence In Africa and beyond.