Mozambique Hires Knighthood Global to Rescue LAM

The Mozambican government has enlisted Abu Dhabi-based consultancy Knighthood Global to lead a 90-day rescue and restructuring mission for LAM – Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique, the country’s struggling national airline. This marks the latest in a series of efforts to return the airline to financial and operational stability.

A New Chapter?

This intervention follows a previously unsuccessful attempt in 2022, when LAM partnered with Modern Ark, a Chinese firm that was brought in to manage the airline’s recovery. That initiative quickly lost momentum and credibility due to limited capital injection, underwhelming strategic direction, and a lack of support from key stakeholders. It ultimately failed to address the airline’s core challenges—an ageing fleet, mounting debt, and chronic inefficiencies.

Now, with Knighthood Global at the helm, Mozambique is hoping for a more structured, credible turnaround

Knighthood Global’s Mandate

Knighthood Global’s Mandate
Knighthood Global, headed by former Etihad Airways CEO James Hogan, brings a strong pedigree in airline transformation. The firm has been tasked with stabilising LAM within three months and laying the foundation for long-term sustainability. Key areas of focus include:

1. Financial Recovery

Reducing debt and rebuilding the airline’s balance sheet.

2. Fleet Strategy

Assessing and advising on suitable aircraft acquisitions to replace ageing assets.

3. Operational Efficiency

Overhauling human resources, route planning, and IT systems.

4. Governance & Accountability

Implementing transparent management structures aligned with global aviation standards.

Restructuring and Oversight

The turnaround effort is being overseen by new shareholders in the airline: Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB), CFM (Ports and Railways of Mozambique), and Emose (Mozambican Insurance Company). These institutions are responsible for securing a viable aircraft fleet and maintaining financial oversight.

A new executive committee—led by Dane Kondić, formerly of Air Serbia and euroAtlantic Airways—has been appointed to steer operations during the transition.

To clean house, a forensic audit covering LAM’s financial operations over the last decade is underway. This will assess where past leadership failed and identify any mismanagement or irregularities. Simultaneously, Knighthood will assist with “right-sizing” the workforce to match the company’s new strategic focus and improve customer service delivery.