Kenya Airways and London Metropolitan University partner to transform aviation education
Kenya Airways and London Metropolitan University partner to transform aviation education
Kenya Airways (KQ) has taken a bold step towards revolutionizing aviation education and workforce development through a groundbreaking partnership with London Metropolitan University (London Met). The collaboration, formalized today at KQ Pride Centre, marks a significant milestone in bridging the gap between academic excellence and industry expertise.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony brought together key stakeholders from both institutions, government officials, and industry regulators. This strategic partnership is set to enhance employee skills, introduce specialized training programs, and foster innovation in the aviation sector.
Speaking at the event, Allan Kilavuka, Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative.
“This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to innovation, excellence, and the development of human capital. By investing in education and skills development, we are not only empowering our employees but also shaping the future of aviation in Kenya and beyond,” he stated.
The partnership will provide KQ employees with access to academic advancement opportunities, cutting-edge research, and globally recognized aviation training programs. Tom Shivo, Chief Human Resources Director at Kenya Airways, highlighted the initiative’s focus on employee growth.
“Our people are the backbone of our success. This partnership will provide our employees with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their careers and contribute to the continued success of Kenya Airways. It’s an investment in our most valuable asset—our talent,” he said.
To ensure the highest quality of education, Kenya Airways has applied for a tertiary institution license from the TVET Authority, which is currently under review. During this interim period, the specialized courses will be available exclusively to KQ employees. Once government approval is secured, the program will extend to the broader public, offering affordable and accessible aviation training across Kenya and the region.
As part of the collaboration, Kenya Airways and London Met will introduce a range of aviation-focused degree programs, including:
- Master’s in Airline & Airport Corporate Management
- Master’s in Aviation Management in the Digital Age
- Bachelor’s in Airline, Airport & Aviation Management
London Metropolitan University will provide a 70 percent scholarship for KQ employees pursuing aviation-related bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Additionally, the university will supply essential training resources, workshops, and certificates, with potential scholarship benefits extending to employees’ family members.
This partnership aligns with Kenya Airways’ strategic initiative to enhance workforce capability, strengthen industry-academic collaboration, and drive innovation in the aviation sector. It also underscores London Met’s commitment to global education and professional training excellence.
This collaboration is set to position Kenya Airways at the forefront of workforce development, ensuring a well-equipped and highly skilled aviation workforce for the future.
