KAA unveils ABEA Summit to boost aviation sector

The announcement was made during the 4th edition of the Aviation Business Excellence Awards gala held in Nairobi. The annual event brought together over 350 stakeholders from the aviation and related industries to recognize outstanding performance, innovation, and service excellence.

Speaking during the event, KAA Chairman Caleb Kositany said the ABEA Summit will provide a strategic platform for industry leaders to engage on emerging trends and challenges affecting the aviation landscape in East Africa.

“The launch of the ABEA Summit is a significant step toward strengthening industry partnerships and enhancing knowledge-sharing among aviation professionals,” said Kositany.

He described the summit as a significant step toward building partnerships and facilitating meaningful dialogue among professionals across the aviation value chain.

Principal Secretary for the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Teresia Mbaika, commended the award winners and emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth in the sector.

“Tonight, we recognize the outstanding contributions of aviation stakeholders who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability. The Aviation Business Excellence Awards provide a critical platform to acknowledge those who are setting new benchmarks in service delivery and operational efficiency,” she said.

She added that the Ministry of Roads and Transport remains focused on improving air transport infrastructure, streamlining operations, and promoting innovation to position Kenya as a regional aviation hub.

Lufthansa Airlines emerged as the overall winner of ABEA 2024, with Hilton Garden Inn Hotel and Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service taking the first and second runners-up positions, respectively. Other winners included Swissport Kenya Ltd, KCB Bank, NAS Airport Services, Mitchell Cotts Freight Kenya Ltd, and Kenya Airways, among others.

Launched in 2018, the ABEA program uses a comprehensive business assessment tool to evaluate airport stakeholders across critical areas including leadership, customer focus, marketing, sustainability, and people management. The awards have grown into a prestigious benchmark for operational excellence in Kenya’s aviation ecosystem.