Boost for Kenya Airways as three grounded Dreamliners set to return

Kenya Airways is set to regain its long-haul strength as it prepares to return three grounded Dreamliners to service.

The airline has been grappling with reduced capacity and flight disruptions after grounding the three long-distance aircraft due to industry supply chain issues, as well as the unavailability of engines.

“The grounding was for the engine overhaul; it was not for any mistake or fault with the aircraft," said Kenya Airways' COO George Kamal.

Group Managing Director and CEO Allan Kilavuka now says that the first Dreamliner will resume operations on July 22.

This move is crucial for restoring the airline’s long-haul capacity, which had diminished by approximately 20 per cent. The second aircraft is anticipated to return to service on September 25, followed by the third on December 19.

Over the last few months, the airline has faced operational issues with flight delays, cancellations, and schedule changes attributed to this prolonged grounding.

The national carrier operates a fleet of nine Boeing 787-8s, each seating 234 passengers. Three of these had been out of service.

In a bid to further increase capacity, KQ now plans to introduce three narrow-body aircraft by the final quarter of 2025. This will add 528 more seats and boost belly cargo capacity by 239 per cent.

As recovery efforts continue, CEO Kilavuka is calling for more balanced access for Kenyan carriers on international routes.

“What should happen is that we would want the authorities to be a bit more stringent when it comes to reciprocity. I know there is always a dance between allowing more frequencies and, of course, allowing more visitors, and also allowing Kenya Airways and any national carrier to compete fairly," Kilavuka said.