Kenya Airways grows fleet to 35, as it acquires new aircraft

The national carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) has expanded its fleet with the addition of a Boeing 737-800 with a capacity of 170 seats, growing its fleet to 35 aircraft.

This addition is part of KQ’s ongoing fleet expansion strategy underscoring the airline’s commitment to increase capacity, enhance operational efficiency, and meet the growing demand for air travel across its network.

The acquisition of the aircraft from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) will immediately boost KQ’s available seat inventory, thus offering guests more travel options and flexibility.

Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Allan Kilavuka, said that adding the aircraft is a testament to KQ’s proactive approach to securing resources that align with its long-term growth objectives and its commitment to its turnaround strategy, Project Kifaru 2.

“The addition of this B737-800 marks a pivotal moment in our fleet expansion journey. It will increase our seat capacity and is a demonstration of our ability to adapt and grow in a challenging operating environment, even as the global aviation industry faces challenges in aircraft availability. These efforts are part of Kenya Airways’ broader strategy to enhance its network, improve connectivity, and deliver exceptional service to its guests,” he said.

The additional aircraft comes at a critical time when Kenya Airways is actively pursuing opportunities to expand its fleet through strategic partnerships with leading aircraft manufacturers and lessors.

The airline is engaged in advanced discussions to secure additional aircraft, focusing on narrow and wide-body models offering increased seat capacity and operational efficiency.

“We are committed to building a robust and modern fleet that supports our vision for growth. The acquisition of the B737-800 aircraft from DAE is a great milestone in our long-term partnership and solidifies our relationship as we work together in the future. It is also a clear signal to the aviation industry that Kenya Airways is a reliable and forward-thinking partner. We invite other partners to join us on this journey as we expand our operations and strengthen our position in the global aviation market,” added Kilavuka.

KQ’s proactive approach to fleet expansion and its ability to secure timely resources highlight the airline’s resilience and commitment to growth. The airline remains confident in attracting partnerships with global aviation lessors, leveraging its strong market position and reputation as a leading African carrier.

Meanwhile, speaking separately during the ongoing Air Cargo and Transport Logistic Africa 2025 conference at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, Kilavuka said the continet’s air cargo industry is poised for significant growth, driven by expanding trade, e-commerce, and the continent’s vast potential.

“As an industry, as an ecosystem, we need to work closely together, cooperatively, and introduce innovation, have a shared vision, to grow this industry, and therefore grow the economies of Africa. I also like the theme of this conference, which is talking about Primed for Growth Against all Odds. If we start to have safety against all odds, against all the challenges that we are facing, we have an opportunity for growth,” he said.

He added that sustainability is also critical and is key. He said, “I know that this industry has worked hard to make sure that the commitment to sustainability is central, front and center to everything that we do. And for Africa, when we talk about sustainability, unlike Europe, which focuses on environmental sustainability, we look at the entire spectrum of sustainability, which is economic, social, governance, not just environmental.

“For us, it will be important to be sustainable for this industry to grow so that we can support the ecosystem that eventually will support environmental sustainability. In Kenya Airways, our mission is to prosper Africa by connecting its people, cultures, and markets. And I believe that this expo coming back to Kenya talks exactly to our mission in Kenya Airways.”

The Air Cargo Africa conference 2025, comes back to Kenya after 14 years. The event is a crucial event for the global air cargo industry, attracted over 60 exhibitors and 2,000 attendees, including global and regional leaders in air cargo, freight logistics, and supply chain management.

It also provides a valuable platform for networking, knowledge sharing and deeper engagement with key stakeholders, including shippers, forwarders, integrators, e-tailers, consignees, importers, exporters, manufacturers, and logistics & supply chain management professionals.