en.Wedoany.com Reported - Kenya Airways Group is planning to add several widebody freighters to its fleet of four Boeing 737F cargo aircraft and is evaluating whether to introduce Embraer E2 regional jets.
George Kamal, interim CEO of Kenya Airways and Chairman of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), revealed during the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro that the group, including its regional subsidiary Jambojet, operates a total of 42 aircraft. The group plans to increase this number to 60 by 2030 and to 100 by 2035.
Kamal stated that the airline is considering adding two or more Boeing 777Fs to complement its 737F fleet, with the quantity and specific model depending on the availability of second-hand or leased aircraft on the market. An additional 737-800 will join the passenger fleet in November, but the introduction of the first 737 MAX has been postponed to 2027 due to cash flow constraints following the outbreak of the Iran war. After reassessing its route network, Kenya Airways may take delivery of three 737 MAX aircraft in 2027. The airline has ordered nine 737-8s, originally scheduled for delivery starting this year.
The SkyTeam member airline also has nine Embraer E190s in service. Kamal said the airline is in talks with Boeing regarding potential additional 737 orders and with Embraer regarding the E2. The E2 model looks promising, and the airline is actively studying it but has not committed to a purchase. Additionally, Kenya Airways is the only country in Africa with an Embraer maintenance center.
In July, Kenya Airways will reclaim a 777-300ER leased to Turkish Airlines, deploying it on routes to London Heathrow and Johannesburg. A second 777-300ER may also be returned soon. The airline also has nine 787-8s, two of which are grounded due to issues with General Electric GEnx engines. Kamal is confident these aircraft will return to service by the end of the year.
Despite rising fuel prices, Kenya Airways plans to increase intra-African flights by 20%-25% and is pushing to establish a second hub in Africa. Kamal said the airline aims to enhance connectivity to its Nairobi hub from different regions. In Africa, approximately 40% of operating costs are typically attributed to fuel, but under current circumstances, this proportion has exceeded 50%.
This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com
