On 3rd july 2025, Kenya Airways marked a significant milestone with the launch of its inaugural flight to London Gatwick Airport — its second destination in the United Kingdom. At the heart of this historic journey were two female trailblazing pilots: Captain Koki Mutungi and Captain Cathleen Kangethe, who shared their personal stories, pride, and aspirations during this momentous occasion.
Meet the Captains Behind the Dreamliner: Two Pioneering Women Lead Kenya’s Historic Flight to London Gatwick
Who is Captain Irene Koki Mutungi?
Irene Koki Mutungi is a pioneering Kenyan aviator and a true trailblazer in African aviation, she was born in 1976. Captain Koki grew up immersed in aviation, her father was a long‑time Kenya Airways pilot, inspiring her early dream to fly.
At 17, she earned her Private Pilot License at Wilson Airport in Nairobi and later trained at an Oklahoma City flight school to gain her FAA Commercial Pilot License. In 1995, Koki Mutungi joined Kenya Airways as their first female pilot—and remained the only woman in the cockpit for several years.
By 2004, Irene became the first African woman to captain a commercial aircraft, the Boeing 737, and later commanded the Boeing 767. On 15 April 2014, she made history as the first African female Captain of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, flying long-haul routes including Nairobi–Paris, and later Nairobi–New York.
Captain Irene Koki Mutungi, Deputy Chief Pilot and seasoned Dreamliner Captain, proudly stood at the helm of this landmark flight. With an impressive career spanning 29 years at Kenya Airways, Captain Musungi’s passion for aviation was kindled early — inspired by his father, a former pilot with the same airline.
Today, Captain Irene Koki Mutungi remains one of Africa’s foremost female aviators, an icon whose pioneering spirit continues to inspire future generations in Kenyan and African skies.
“I started flying with my dad at a very young age,” she recalled. “I guess that got my attention, and I was always interested in becoming a pilot.”
From childhood dreams to commanding international flights, Captain Koki Mutungi now carries the legacy forward, expressing immense pride in leading the inaugural flight to London Gatwick.
“It’s significant for Kenya and for Kenya Airways. It opens up more channels for travelers to and from the U.K., and it’s good for business,” she said.
“You can do what you put your heart to,” she said with conviction. “They say the sky is the limit — but we are in the sky now. So push your limits.”
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Who is Captain Cathleen Kangethe?
Captain Cathleen Kang’ethe is a distinguished pilot at Kenya Airways, recognized for her role in commanding Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights. In June–July 2021, she co-piloted a special “preighter” (passenger-to-freighter) charter flight alongside Captain Irene Koki Mutungi, transporting cargo from London to Frankfurt and then on to Nairobi, in an operation marked by its predominantly female crew, organized to commemorate International Women’s Day
Captain Cathleen Kangethe, another accomplished pilot on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Reflecting on the preparation and discipline required for such a high-stakes flight, she highlighted the importance of pre-flight routines, ground coordination, and teamwork.
“Preparation starts well before coming on board,” she explained. “You have to make sure you have sufficient rest, arrive at the airport early, and work closely with ground dispatch teams to ensure everything is in place.”
Captain Cathleen Kangethe, who played a pivotal role in the success of the inaugural flight, also shared a powerful message of inspiration to young girls across Africa and beyond.
As Kenya Airways continues to expand its global footprint, the Gatwick route symbolizes not only enhanced connectivity but also the airline’s commitment to diversity, legacy, and excellence in aviation. With experienced captains like Koki Mutungi and Cathleen Kangethe leading the way, the future of African aviation is soaring higher than ever before with ladies in control.
