Elijah Ntongai, an editor at TUKO.co.ke, has over four years of financial, business, and technology research and reporting experience, providing insights into Kenyan, African, and global trends.

Kenya Airways announced a plan to scale its operational capacity by adding the number of aircraft in its fleet.

However, the ambitious plan faces delays due to the ongoing shortages in the global supply chain in the aviation industry.

Speaking during a media engagement attended by TUKO.co.ke, Kenya Airways noted that the airline actively operates 39 planes in its fleet, and their plan to add the number to 60 is currently delayed.

"There is a severe shortage of aircraft due to high demand. In fact, if you place an order for a new aircraft today, the earliest you will receive it is 2033," Kilavuka remarked.

Kilavuka noted that COVID-19 significantly disrupted the global supply chain in the aviation sector, which has also led to the persistent shortage of spare parts, as most of the available parts are being used to manufacture new aircraft.

Consequently, the shortage of the spare parts in the market has also affected KQ's existing fleets.

"Three (Boeing) dreamliners are grounded due to spare parts supply disruption," he said.

George Kamal, Kenya Airways Chief Operating Officer (COO), added that despite the challenges in the supply chain, KQ will be receiving some planes in 2026.

"We are looking to grow up to 60 aircraft in the next five years. There are challenges in the procurement, but some planes will be arriving in 2026. We are expecting the first one in July 2026, and the second one will follow later," Kamal said.

The COO also noted that the airline had procured engines that will be arriving soon and will be used to restore the three grounded Dreamliners.

Earlier, Kenya Airways CEO announced an ambitious five-year fleet modernisation and expansion plan valued at up to $400 million (approximately KSh 51 billion).

Speaking during the airline’s Annual General Meeting in Nairobi, CEO Allan Kilavuka said the plan is to enhance the airline's operational efficiency, passenger comfort, and global competitiveness.

Kilavuka said the spending will include the acquisition of new aircraft as well as the refurbishment of existing planes, with upgrades such as in-flight Wi-Fi, modernised interiors, and improved IT infrastructure.

He emphasised that this is a strategic move reflecting KQ’s commitment to elevating the travel experience and adapting to evolving aviation demands, estimating the programme’s cost to fall between $300 million and $400 million.

Source: TUKO.co.ke