About KAAO

Our History

Founded on 5 May 1967, KAAO has been the unified voice of Kenya’s aviation sector for over five decades.

Our legacy in aviation

For over 59 years, the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) has been the unified voice of Kenya’s aviation sector. Founded on 5th May 1967, KAAO was established to represent the collective interests of air operators in Kenya, advocating for an enabling regulatory environment, promoting safety, and supporting the sustainable growth of the industry.

What began as a forum for dialogue among a few operators has grown into a dynamic national association that engages with policymakers, regulators, and aviation stakeholders to shape the future of air transport in Kenya.

Over the decades, KAAO has been instrumental in driving regulatory reforms, facilitating member collaboration, and championing progressive aviation policies that reflect the needs of a modern and evolving industry.

Today, KAAO continues to serve as a strong advocate for airlines, charter operators, maintenance and engineering firms, training organizations, and aviation service providers, all working together to ensure a safe, efficient, and competitive aviation environment. With a legacy built on trust, professionalism, and partnership, KAAO remains committed to leading the advancement of Kenya’s aviation industry for generations to come.

On the record

Documented milestones

Drawn from KAAO’s published statements and press releases. Earlier milestones from the Association’s archive will be added as they are verified.

  1. June 2024

    Launch of Aviation Satellite Account

    30th April 2024, Nairobi. The Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) joined the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), and Kenya National Bureau of Statistics…

  2. May 2024

    KAAO Press Statement on Finance Bill 2024

    20th May 2024, Nairobi, Kenya. Implications of the Proposed Removal of VAT Exemptions on the Aviation Sector in the Finance Bill 2024 The Kenya Association of Air Operators…

  3. April 2024

    CS Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, E.G.H. Meets with KAAO and Key Stakeholders at Wilson Airport

    4th April 2024  Nairobi, Kenya The Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) held its first bi-annual meeting of 2024 with the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Roads and Transport,…

  4. March 2024

    Briefing on the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) Regulatory Instruments Capacity Building Workshop for Airlines Organized by AFRAA, AFCAC and AUC

    18th to 20th March, 2024 Nairobi, Kenya The Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) is pleased to inform its members about the key takeaways from a recent workshop…

  5. March 2024

    KAAO 56th Annual General Meetings

    Date: 7th December 2023 Venue: Nabo Bistro, Lavington On the International Civil Aviation Day, KAAO hosted its 56th Annual General Meeting at Nabo Bistro. In attendance were air…

  6. February 2024

    The Takeoff Issue No. 3- A Quarterly Newsletter

    The Takeoff Issue 3 Dear Members, As we approach the year’s end, I would like to convey my appreciation for your continued support to our association. In recent…

  7. February 2024

    KAAO inks MoU with the International Strategic Partners (ISP) to facilitate the collaborative utilization of ISP’s financial instruments for efficient fuel management among KAAO members.

    22 January 2024 Nairobi The Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Strategic Partners (ISP) to facilitate the collaborative utilization…

  8. August 2023

    Kenya Association of Air Operators Triumph through Tax Exemptions.

    In a momentous achievement for the air transport sector, Kenya Association of Air Operator’s proposals for tax exemptions on the importation of aircraft and aircraft spare parts have…

  9. August 2023

    The 2nd Aviation Thought Leaders Forum: Fostering Collaboration and Innovation for Kenya’s Air Transport Ecosystem.

    10th August 2023 Nairobi, Kenya: Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) hosted the 2nd Aviation Thought Leaders Forum, which brought together aviation leaders and experts from the Country. Building…

  10. May 2023

    Second Industry Affairs Meeting Discusses Issues Affecting Aviation Industry

    The second aviation industry affairs meeting was held between Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO), Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), and Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) with the objective…

  11. March 2023

    AFRAA Inks MoU with the Kenya Association of Air Operators for Mutual Support to the Development of the Airline Industry in Kenya

    Press Release AFRAA Inks MoU with the Kenya Association of Air Operators for mutual support to the development of the airline industry in Kenya Nairobi, 16 March 2023 –…

  12. March 2023

    Aviation Stakeholders to Contribute to Industry Policy Formulation

    PRESS RELEASE  For Immediate Release Aviation Stakeholders to Contribute to Industry Policy Formulation  3rd March 2023 | Nairobi, Kenya: The Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) Executive Committee hosted…

  13. February 2023

    Kenya Association of Air Operators Hosts Cirrus Aircraft in Nairobi

    PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Kenya Association of Air Operators Hosts Cirrus Aircraft in Nairobi 8th February 2023 | Nairobi, Kenya: The Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) hosted…

  14. February 2023

    Kenya Association of Air Operators Commends Proposed Aviation Industry Engagement Rule Making Process

    PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Kenya Association of Air Operators Commends Proposed Aviation Industry Engagement Rule Making Process  2nd February 2023 | Nairobi, Kenya: The Kenya Association of Air…

  15. September 2022

    Kenya Association of Air Operators Appoints Eng. Liz Aluvanze as CEO

    PRESS RELEASE  Kenya Association of Air Operators Appoints Eng. Liz Aluvanze as CEO  26th September 2022 | Nairobi, Kenya: The Executive Committee of the Kenya Association of Air Operators…

  16. 1967

    KAAO is founded

    Founded on 5 May 1967 to represent the collective interests of air operators in Kenya, advocating for an enabling regulatory environment, promoting safety, and supporting the sustainable growth of the industry.

Join the association

A stronger digital KAAO for a stronger aviation industry

Join the Association and reap the benefits of being part of an aviation community that gets your concerns addressed.