Kenya Airways (KQ) has honored one of its most dedicated employees by naming its latest Boeing 737 aircraft after Caroline Ndonga, the airline’s long-serving Station Manager in Burundi.
In a statement released on Friday, the national carrier described Ndonga as a “beacon of operational excellence,” celebrating her two-decade journey at the airline, from starting as a Security Agent to becoming one of its most trusted ground operations leaders.
“Among them stands Caroline Ndonga…a leader whose quiet strength and unwavering focus have made her a beacon of operational excellence,” the airline said.
The new Boeing 737, part of KQ’s ongoing fleet modernization efforts, is expected to boost the airline’s operational capacity, ensuring greater efficiency, reliability, and safety.
The airline said naming the aircraft after Ndonga is more than a symbolic gesture — it is a tribute to resilience, leadership, and integrity.
Ndonga has managed operations in what KQ described as one of its most complex stations, dealing with challenges such as limited regulatory training access, language barriers, and dynamic local conditions.
Despite the hurdles, she stepped up to mentor staff, improve safety standards, and instill a culture of accountability.
“When critical trainings were unavailable, she stepped in to coach and empower teams herself. When systems lagged, she bridged the gap,” KQ stated.
Kenya Airways Group MD and CEO Allan Kilavuka said the decision reflects the company’s commitment to recognizing silent yet impactful leadership.
“This isn’t just a name on a fuselage. It’s a story of impact. Caroline reminds us that true leadership is found in action, especially when no one is watching,” Kilavuka said.
Responding to the recognition, Ndonga remained humble, describing the moment as a collective victory.
“This honour belongs to the whole team. It’s a reminder that what we do behind the scenes matters and that when we put safety first, we all fly higher,” she remarked.
