Fouad Caunhye is an accomplished aviation executive and the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of RwandAir, where he is instrumental in driving the airline’s commercial strategy and enhancing its regional and international presence. Appointed to this role in 2024, Caunhye has been a vocal advocate for improving intra-African aviation networks, emphasizing the need for collaboration, reduced trade barriers, and targeted capacity adjustments to better serve underserved routes. He highlights the critical role of affordability and accessibility in increasing passenger loads and fostering regional connectivity.

Before joining RwandAir, Caunhye served as the Regional Manager for Southern Africa at Qatar Airways, where he oversaw operations in multiple countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Angola. During his tenure, he was instrumental in expanding Qatar Airways’ presence in key African markets and implementing customer-focused innovations.

Caunhye’s leadership approach combines strategic vision with a focus on addressing systemic challenges in African aviation, including fragmentation and competition from foreign carriers. He advocates for consolidation and partnership across airlines to unlock the continent’s aviation potential and bolster economic growth.