By Daniel Kamau
Kenya Airways (KQ) seeks to strengthen its cargo business as it expands intra-African connectivity by increasing its aircraft count.
The planned fleet expansion is set to double its aircraft count to 100 by 2035, positioning Nairobi as a leading aviation hub on the continent.
Speaking on the sidelines of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Kenya Airways Interim CEO and Chair of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), George Kamal, said the airline aims to grow its current fleet of 42 aircraft to 60 by 2030 before reaching the 100-aircraft mark five years later.
The airline is considering acquiring at least two wide-body freighters, potentially Boeing 777 freighter variants, to supplement its existing fleet of four Boeing 737 freighters.
The move comes as air cargo continues to play an increasingly important role in global supply chains and Kenya’s export-driven economy.
The airline is also evaluating the next-generation Embraer E2 regional jet as part of its future fleet plans.
Kenya Airways currently operates nine Embraer E190 aircraft and hosts Africa’s only Embraer maintenance centre, giving it a strategic advantage should it consider introducing the newer aircraft type.
“We are looking into it positively,” Kamal said, noting that discussions with aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Embraer are ongoing.
On the passenger side, Kenya Airways will add another Boeing 737-800 in November.
However, the carrier has had to delay the introduction of its first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to 2027 due to financial pressures linked to rising geopolitical uncertainties in Iran and higher fuel costs.
The airline has nine Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft on order, with deliveries set to start this year.
In July, the national carrier also plans to reclaim a Boeing 777-300ER currently leased to Turkish Airlines.
The aircraft will be deployed on key routes including London Heathrow and Johannesburg. A second leased 777-300ER could also return to the fleet in the near future.
Meanwhile, two of the airline’s nine Boeing 787 Dreamliners remain grounded due to engine-related issues, although management expects both aircraft to return to service before the end of the year.
