Mixed Reactions After Kenya Airways Names Plane After Its Employee [PHOTOS]

If you're reading this article, on a scale of one to 10, how loved are you at your current workplace? National carrier Kenya Airways on Thursday, May 1, showcased why it is one of the best companies in Kenya for anyone to work in.

KQ had announced on its social media handles that it had named its newly-acquired Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft after "someone special", inviting its followers to guess who that person was. They followed up with names of famous Kenyan athletes, politicians, and influential personalities, but their guesses would all be incorrect.

The airline, in its heartfelt tribute, named the passenger aircraft after one Caroline Ndonga, who works as KQ's station manager in Burundi. Ndonga, a prominent figure in the aviation sector, was recognised for her resilience and steadfast dedication to excellence.

Caroline Ndonga and her colleagues pose with a Kenya Airways plane named after her. /KENYA AIRWAYS

"Say hello to Caroline Ndonga. Not just our Burundi Station Manager, but a force of resilience, safety, and unwavering leadership," announced KQ.

"Today, her name soars on the side of our newest B737, honouring a woman who keeps us grounded while helping us fly higher. Because some names deserve the skies."

Caroline Ndonga's name is now visible on the left-hand side of the fuselage, at the front of the new aircraft and between the front door and the cockpit.

Caroline Ndonga poses with a Kenya Airways plane named after her. /KENYA AIRWAYS

The news was received with mixed reactions by netizens. Michael Ollinga wrote on Facebook "For those who are not used to the recognition of the not so popular, yet exemplary individuals this will not go well with you."

"Kenya Airways has chosen to recognise and celebrate one of their outstanding staff members doing magical works in Burundi and for the airline as a whole. When did your employer pay your fare or bought you kaimati?"

"Caroline Ndonga! We would have never guessed right unless working in Kenya Airways or the aviation industry. Congratulations to her, but Kenya Airways, maybe you should have shared more about her so that your audience can understand why she got the honour," Egline Samoei weighed in.

In her current role, Ndonga is in charge of all ground handling operations at her station, ensuring seamless and efficient services for passengers, cargo, and aircraft. Her role involves managing flight operations, coordinating cross-functional teams, and maintaining strict compliance with safety and security protocols.

She also oversees customer service, handles complaints, and plays a role in emergency response efforts.

With over 16 years of experience at Kenya Airways, Ndonga is a veteran in the aviation industry known for her strong leadership, operational expertise, and in-depth knowledge of airline logistics. She began her journey with the airline in March 2005 as a Flight Dispatcher, a position she held for nearly four years.

In May 2009, she transitioned to Load Controller, where she handled precise flight weight and balance calculations and load planning for three years. By April 2012, she had risen to Supervisor of Operations in Kisumu, later taking on the role of Station Manager in Burundi.

Ndonga holds a Bachelor’s degree in Horticultural Science and an MBA in Strategic Management. This recognition is part of Kenya Airways’ broader initiative to celebrate the unsung heroes whose dedication keeps the airline running smoothly.

On August 14, 2023, KQ staged an out-of-the-blue ceremonial water cannon salute to celebrate the farewell of Alice Waweru, a flight purser who served at KQ for close to 38 years.

Her tenure as a cabin crew came to an end with her final flight to the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. Coincidentally, she was the flight purser who was present for the national carrier's first direct flight to the United States (US) in October 2018, viewed as the culmination of a long-winding road for Kenya Airways to secure direct flights to America for the first time in its history.