NAIROBI, KENYA – July 18, 2025 – Kenya Airways (KQ), the national flag carrier, is set to significantly enhance its operational capacity and network connectivity with the phased return of its grounded Boeing 787 Dreamliners and the strategic addition of new narrowbody aircraft to its fleet. This dual-pronged approach aims to alleviate recent capacity constraints, improve schedule reliability, and capitalize on surging travel demand.
The airline confirmed that one of its three previously grounded Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners is scheduled to return to service as early as July 22, 2025. The remaining two wide-body aircraft are slated for a phased return, with the second expected back in operation by September 25, 2025, and the third by December 19, 2025. These Dreamliners, crucial for Kenya Airways’ long-haul international routes, have been out of service since late 2024 due to global supply chain disruptions and engine unavailability, leading to flight delays, cancellations, and schedule changes.
Dreamliners Back in the Sky: Restoring Long-Haul Power
The reintroduction of the Dreamliners is a “significant milestone” for Kenya Airways, according to Group Managing Director and CEO Allan Kilavuka. He stated that the return of these aircraft will not only alleviate the 20% capacity shrinkage experienced due to the groundings but also enhance the airline’s capacity back to 85% of its pre-grounding levels. This is particularly vital for KQ’s key international routes across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
“We are eager to provide our passengers with additional capacity and comfort,” Kilavuka remarked, acknowledging the recent operational disruptions. “Despite the recent challenges, we are doing everything possible to ensure that these are being resolved quickly for your convenience and comfort.”
Narrowbody Expansion: Strengthening Regional and Domestic Links
Beyond the Dreamliners, Kenya Airways is also actively expanding its narrowbody fleet to bolster short- and medium-haul operations. The airline plans to introduce three new narrowbody aircraft by the fourth quarter of 2025. This strategic addition will significantly increase the airline’s seat capacity by an additional 528 seats and, importantly, boost belly cargo capacity by an impressive 239%.
The move to acquire more narrowbody jets aligns with Kenya Airways’ broader five-year fleet modernization and expansion plan, which aims to grow its fleet from 34 to 53 aircraft by 2029. This expansion is crucial for strengthening regional and domestic connectivity across Africa, allowing the airline to operate with increased frequency on high-load routes and better cater to rising passenger traffic.
A Strategic Turnaround and Future Growth:
This fleet revitalization is a key component of Kenya Airways’ ongoing recovery strategy, dubbed “Project Kifaru,” which has seen the airline recently return to profitability after years of financial turbulence. The combined approach of bringing back its long-haul workhorses and adding agile narrowbody aircraft positions Kenya Airways for sustained growth and increased competitiveness within the dynamic African aviation landscape.
With safety as its cornerstone, Kenya Airways is committed to providing a smoother, more comfortable, and reliable travel experience for its customers as it navigates the post-pandemic recovery period and beyond.
