Kenya Airways to Begin Long-Haul Wi-Fi Rollout in 2027
Kenya Airways (KQ) is set to roll out onboard Wi-Fi across its long-haul fleet starting in Q2 2027, aiming to elevate passenger experience and boost its competitive edge on key international routes. This substantial investment, estimated at $20-22 million, will see the service offered free on long-haul flights, aligning KQ with global industry standards and addressing crucial customer feedback.
Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced plans to begin installing onboard Wi-Fi across its long-haul fleet from the second quarter of 2027, starting with aircraft serving key routes to London, Paris, New York, China and Amsterdam. Acting Managing Director and CEO George Kamal said the airline will install the technology progressively as aircraft enter the hangar, before extending connectivity to regional and continental routes.
The rollout is expected to cost between $20 million and $22 million, while KQ currently operates one Boeing 777 already equipped with Wi-Fi. The airline is expected to offer free Wi-Fi on long-haul flights, potentially strengthening its position on highly competitive international routes and providing an additional selling point for business and premium leisure travelers.
The investment forms part of a broader turnaround strategy that includes fleet renewal, cabin refurbishment and digital transformation, amid efforts to secure a KSh194 billion capital injection. Despite recording a KSh17.2 billion loss in 2025, largely attributed to higher fuel costs, management maintains that the core business remains viable and sees improved connectivity as part of its push toward long-term profitability.
Kenya Airways had previously indicated plans to introduce Wi-Fi on the London route, but the latest announcement expands that ambition into a fleet-wide long-haul connectivity programme.
The move reflects growing passenger expectations for uninterrupted internet access and could increase pressure on other African carriers to modernize their own onboard services. For the African aviation and travel industry, in-flight connectivity is increasingly becoming a commercial necessity rather than a premium extra.