Captain Celline Wanjiru Nguri Ager
Aviation Professional
Nairobi, Kenya.
Summary
Dynamic, results-oriented aviation professional with nearly two decades of comprehensive experience in flight operations, including 16 years as a Commercial Airline Pilot and over three years in regulatory oversight as a Senior Flight Safety Inspector. Expertise includes managing safe and efficient flight operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, overseeing certification processes, conducting safety audits, and developing training programs. Proven leadership in coordinating multidisciplinary teams to enhance aviation safety standards while ensuring strict adherence to ICAO SARPs and national regulations. Holds a Master's degree in Sustainable Air Transport Management and an ATPL, complemented by strong problem-solving, planning, and time management capabilities.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Flight Safety Inspector
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
07.2022 - Current
- Led a multidisciplinary inspection teams, coordinating training, development and regulatory oversight for Jet Air Operator Certificate (AOC) Holders.
- Coordinated and participated in 10 certification processes for commercial aviation operators, ensuring compliance with ICAO SARPs and national requirements from initial review through approval and ongoing surveillance.
- Developed, reviewed, and updated aviation regulations, policies, guidance material, and procedures to align with international standards and strengthen the civil aviation regulatory framework.
- Evaluated, recommended amendments and approved robust training programmes, operational documentation, and conducted follow up surveillance for effective implementation.
- Certified instructor and check-pilot personnel, overseeing qualification assessments and proficiency checks to maintain high competency standards within regulated organisations.
- Evaluated paperwork and inspected Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs) for technical conformity and training effectiveness to support safe and standardised crew training.
- Assessed and advised on operators' Quality and Safety Management Systems (SMS), including hazard identification, risk management and performance monitoring, resulting in improved safety outcomes.
- Executed scheduled and targeted surveillance inspections (base, en-route, ramp, cockpit, cabin, station), identifying compliance gaps and driving corrective action plans in accordance with oversight programmes.
- Issued formal deficiency notifications and enforcement actions for significant safety and regulatory non-conformities, conducting root cause analyses and prescribing corrective measures to ensure timely resolution and prevent recurrence while safeguarding the travelling public.
- Prepared comprehensive inspection and investigation reports using standardised checklists and documentation to support regulatory decision-making.
- Reviewed aircraft lease agreements and authorised exemptions, approvals, and dangerous goods transport permissions, ensuring adherence to applicable regulatory safety parameters.
- Periodically provide support for the Kenya Aircraft Accident and Investigation Department as a CAA representative and flight Operations SME
Captain
Kenya Airways Ltd
05.2014 - 06.2022
- Held ultimate responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of Embraer 170/190 and Boeing 737NG commercial flights on domestic and international sectors, ensuring full compliance with ICAO standards, company SOPs, and regulatory safety requirements.
- Provided leadership and direction to flight deck and cabin crew, applying Crew Resource Management (CRM) practices to foster teamwork, effective communication, and operational discipline throughout all phases of flight.
- Continuously evaluated weather conditions and other operational factors, implementing contingency strategies, conducting passenger advisories, and executing diversions when necessary to maintain safety margins.
- Performed performance planning and fuel management, integrating weight and balance, fuel strategy, and operational limitations to optimize flight efficiency while maintaining compliance with applicable standards.
- Assessed aircraft dispatch status against Configuration Deviation List (CDL) and Minimum Equipment List (MEL), authorizing release to service only when safety and airworthiness criteria were satisfied.
- Led by example in adhering to uniform and professional standards, reinforcing airline's commitment to excellence.
- Contributed to development of new flight safety protocols, drawing on extensive in-flight experience and knowledge.
- Ensured compliance with international aviation standards, conducting flights with strict adherence to cross-border regulations.
First Officer
Kenya Airways Ltd
07.2006 - 05.2014
- Assisted the Captain in the safe and efficient operation of Boeing 737, 767, and 777 aircraft across all flight phases, ensuring strict compliance with regulatory requirements and company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Conducted comprehensive pre-flight planning and briefings, including performance calculations (weight & balance, fuel planning, take-off/landing data) and review of flight documentation to confirm flight readiness and airworthiness.
- Monitored and managed advanced flight deck systems, navigation instruments, and communications with Air Traffic Control to maintain situational awareness and adherence to planned routes.
- Performed pre-flight inspections, verified technical logs, and coordinated with ground and cabin crews to support safety, passenger comfort, and operational efficiency.
- Promoted effective Crew Resource Management (CRM) through clear communication, coordination, and collaboration among flight and cabin crew members.
- Implemented all safety, security, and emergency procedures as required, and provided real-time communication of flight status and safety information to cabin crew and passengers.
Education
Masters - Sustainable Air Transport Management
UNITAR, ITAérea Aeronautical Business School And CIFAL Merida
Madrid Spain04.2024
Air Transport Pilot License (ATPL) - Aviation
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
Nairobi, Nairobi Province, Kenya 04.2001 -
Commercial Pilot's License – Multi Engine and Instrument Rating - Aviation
43 Air School
Port Alfred, South Africa04.2006
KCSE Certificate - Secondary Education
Moi Girls' School Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya11.2003
Skills
Commercial Flight Operations
Effective Cross-functional team leadership
Aviation safety management
Oversight of regulatory standards
Safety Management Systems implementation and inspection
Flight Crew Training and competence assessment
Aviation safety Audit and inspection Planning, coordination and Leadership
Regulatory Framework Development and review
Aviation certification expertise
Microsoft Office
Multilingual
Problem-solving abilities
Self motivation
Effective communication
Analytical skills
Reliability
Risk Assessment
Additional Work Experience
- Periodically provides support for the Kenya Aircraft Accident and Investigation Department as a CAA representative and flight Operations SME (2025-06 to Current)
- Collaborated with a team from diverse departments and countries in Kenya Airways Cargo Operations Planning during the COVID pandemic. (2021-01 to 2021-03)
- Volunteered and participated in the Special Assistance Team (SAT) / Humanitarian Support Training for Kenya Airways Emergency Response Plan.( 2017-07)
- Partnered with the fuel department to improve fuel efficiency on the Embraer fleet. (2016-07 to 2017-01)
- Assisted in updating and editing Kenya Airways Operations Manual Part C. (2015-01 to 2015-05 and 2016-07 to 2017-01)
- Participated in Kenya Airways Flight Operations Department IOSA Audit Preparations.(2015-01 to 2015-05)
Professional Trainings And Certifications
- ICAO Using the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (DGUTI EN)
- ICAO State Safety Programme (SSP EN)
- ICAO Training Instructor's Course (TIC EN)
- ICAO Safety Management for Practitioners (SMxP EN)
- ICAO Safety Management (SM EN)
- ICAO Oversight of Aircraft Leasing Operations
- ICAO Government Safety Inspector Operations – Air Cargo Certification (GSI AC EN)
- Aviation Safety Auditing Techniques Course
- ICAO Government Safety Inspector – Personnel Licensing (GSI PEL EN)
- Resolution of Safety Issues and Enforcement course East Africa School of Aviation (EASA)
- CAA Documentation Management and Control (CDM) Training
- ICAO Government Safety Inspector Operations–Air Operator Certification
- 2006-07 to 2021-07: Various certifications required for operations as an airline flight crew member including, but not limited to: Extended Diversion Time Operations (EDTO), Reduced Separation Minima (RVSM), Crew Resource Management (CRM), Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), Safety Management Systems (SMS), Aviation Security (AVSEC), Safety Emergency Procedures Training (SEPT)
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 23rd Oct 1985
- Nationality: Kenyan
Personal Skills And Interests
English, Kiswahili, Kikuyu, Basic French, Proficient in Microsoft Office applications., Hiking, Swimming, Reading, Writing, Puzzles, Board Games
References
- Captain Nicholas Bii, Fleet Manager - Boeing 737, Kenya Airways Ltd, Nicholas.Bii@kenya-airways.com, +254 722677572
- Captain Mulee Mutuku, Principal Flight Safety Inspector - KCAA, M.mutuku@kcaa.or.ke, +254 738959280
- Scholastica Opiyo, Manager Dangerous Goods Standards- IATA, Chemin de Pre-Colomb, 24, Versoix, 1290, Switzerland, opiyos@iata.org, +41767833392
Timeline
Senior Flight Safety Inspector
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
07.2022 - Current
Captain
Kenya Airways Ltd
05.2014 - 06.2022
First Officer
Kenya Airways Ltd
07.2006 - 05.2014
Air Transport Pilot License (ATPL) - Aviation
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
04.2001 -
Masters - Sustainable Air Transport Management
UNITAR, ITAérea Aeronautical Business School And CIFAL Merida
Commercial Pilot's License – Multi Engine and Instrument Rating - Aviation
43 Air School
KCSE Certificate - Secondary Education
Moi Girls' School Nairobi