Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) Executive Committee on Monday announced the appointment of Eng Liz Aluvanze as its new CEO.

KAAO is a national umbrella body tasked with promoting, fostering, enhancing, and protecting the interests of those engaged in the Aviation Industry and allied businesses.

Eng Aluvanze has been appointed to take over from Colonel (Rtd) Eutychus Waithaka who proceeded into retirement after spending 25 years at the helm of the association.

She takes to KAAO skills in Air Transport Strategic Management, Contract Negotiations, Engineering, Regulatory Policy and Air Law as well as Client Relationship Management.

Eng Liz Aluvanze. PHOTO/KAAO

Eng Aluvanze, a fitness enthusiast, holds an Air Transport Master’s degree from Cranfield University and a BEng in Aerospace Engineering from Manchester University.

Before her current appointment she worked at the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and has previously worked with the Kenya Airways and Fastjet among other major airlines.

PHOTO/TIZI TALKS

“The Executive Committee appreciates the leadership and expertise the association received from outgoing CEO Col. (Rtd) E. K. Waithaka, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors. Col (Rtd) has had an illustrious career and his experience and expertise will continue to be a great resource to the association including the management, staff and the air transport industry,” KAAO Chairman Mbuvi Ngunze.

Ngunze also said during Waithaka’s tenure, KAAO consolidated its efforts in advocating on issues like regulations, taxes on many industry purchases and services, infrastructure, levelling the playing field for different actors and aviation policy amongst others.

Mbuvi Ngunze and Eutychus Waithaka. PHOTO/KAAO

“KAAO has over this period managed to create industry cohesion and works closely with Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and Kenya Airports Authority, Government ministries, as well as other related umbrella bodies that impact its members’ interests such as Kenya Private Sector Alliance, Kenya Tourism Federation and Federation of Kenya Employers, he added.”

The Association chairman welcomed the tenure of Eng Aluvanze in the aviation body.

“We look forward to tapping from her knowledge and skills as we work towards a new chapter for the association and its membership towards creating a safe, secure, sustainable and vibrant air transport system,” he concluded.