Dreamliner number four is now enroute to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where the latest B787-8 acquisition by Kenya’s national airline will join the three sister-ships already in service.
Two more of these state-of-the-art planes will join the fleet this year before a further three will be delivered early next year, completing the initial order of 9 such jets. The airline also has several additional options for further purchases and announcements are expected in due course when these will be converted into firm orders as Kenya Airways continues to expand their long haul destination network in line with ‘Plan Mawingo’ – their strategic plan which is presently looking forward to the financial year 2021/22.
When the last of the nine ordered B787s will have arrived in Nairobi, all B767-300s will be either sold or returned to the lessors, giving Kenya Airways the full advantage of 20 percent fuel savings, in addition to which comes a larger uplift capacity for passengers and cargo and a wider range.
This latest development confirms Kenya Airways to be one of Africa’ leading airlines, operating a fleet of 48 aircraft comprising Embraer E170 and E190’s, B737-700 and -800NG’s, B777-200 and -300ER’s and now four B787-8’s.