Kenyan pilots union yesterday withdrew a strike notice issued to Kenya Airways last month, saying there had been progress on issues it had raised regarding the carrier's turnaround strategy.

Kenya Airlines Pilot Association (Kalpa) had threatened to go on an indefinite strike and had demanded the exit of the airline's chairman and chief executive before agreeing to postpone the walkout after a new chairman of the board was appointed.

Michael Joseph, a veteran telecoms executive, was chosen as chairman to replace Dennis Awori. Mbuvi Ngunze remains CEO.

"Based on the progress on specific issues raised by Kalpa, we are confident that these developments will have a positive impact on the airline's recovery efforts," the union said in a statement.

Partly owned by Air France KLM, Kenya Airways sank into loss four years ago after tourism slumped following attacks by militants from the Somalia-based al Shabaab Islamist group.

It has been selling assets and seeking fresh funds to dig itself out of its losses.