Spotlight on Leadership

Fitsum Abdi, Director of Cargo at Kenya Airways

Kenya Airways is proud to welcome Fitsum Abdi as our new Director of Cargo, bringing with him nearly three decades of aviation expertise and a fresh vision for the future of KQ Cargo. With a background that spans finance, auditing, and cargo operations, Fitsum combines sharp financial acumen with an unmatched passion for connecting markets across Africa and beyond.
From his early career as a government auditor, where he mastered the intricacies of finance and winning clients’ trust, to becoming a seasoned cargo leader, Fitsum has always been driven by one goal: building dependable systems that create impact.

Finding a Home in Kenya
Though new to Nairobi, Fitsum has quickly embraced Kenya as his second home. “Kenya has made me feel more than at home,” he shares with a smile. While ugali has become a newfound favorite, he admits that injera, a nod to his Ethiopian roots, will always have a special place on his plate. He’s also picking up Swahili words like Jambo, Karibu, Asante, and Mambo Poa, with a determination to add many more.
Cargo as a Trusted Friend
For Fitsum, cargo isn’t just about moving goods, it’s about reliability and trust. He describes it as “a trusted friend; always dependable, always improving, and always there when you need them.” 

Why Kenya Airways Cargo?
For Fitsum, the excitement lies in Kenya’s unique positioning. “Our location is everything! Having both a seaport and an airport gives us a huge advantage, just like Jebel Ali in Dubai,” he explains. This strategic setup opens the door for multimodal logistics sea, land, and air which means more trade within Africa, expanded markets, and limitless growth potential for Kenya Airways Cargo.

Leadership with Purpose
Managing large teams and vast cargo volumes requires more than strategy; it requires vision and focus. Fitsum stays grounded by always keeping the bigger picture in sight, delivering excellent service while creating opportunities for jobs and economic growth. With a dedicated team by his side, he’s confident that KQ Cargo is poised for even greater heights.

If his leadership style were an aircraft? Fitsum doesn’t hesitate: “The Boeing 787. It’s dependable, efficient, innovative, and built for the long haul, just like my approach to leadership.”

Beyond the Office
Outside of work, Fitsum prioritizes family time above all. When he’s not with loved ones, you’ll likely find him reading, researching, hiking, or recharging at the gym. These passions keep him balanced and energized ready to lead with clarity and purpose.

Looking Ahead
As Kenya Airways Cargo charts its next growth chapter, Fitsum’s vision is clear: to transform KQ Cargo into a logistics powerhouse for Africa and the world. With his blend of industry expertise, financial discipline, and people-first leadership, the airline is set to soar higher in the cargo space.