Kenya Airways Hires A330 Airbus To Enhance Christmas Capacity After Grounding Its Aircraft

• Kenya Airways signed a lease agreement with the world's leading airline specialists, Hi Fly, ahead of Christmas travel schedules
• The A330 Airbus arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to enhance fleet capacity after KQ grounded its aircraft for lack of spare parts
• KQ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Allan Kilavuka said the short-term plan will solve pertinent challenges in the market

TUKO.co.ke journalist Wycliffe Musalia brings over five years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

Kenya Airways has received an A330 Airbus to enhance its capacity for holiday travel demands.

This came after the airline announced the possibility of flight disruptions for two weeks due to a shortage of spare parts.

KQ plans to solve flight disruptions

The national carrier signed a short-term lease agreement with Hi Fly, one of the world’s leading lease and charter specialist airlines.

KQ Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka said the lease was aimed at enhancing operational efficiency during the peak festive season.

“With the current capacity constraints on the back of the growing demand for airline travel, we need to balance our customers' immediate needs by bringing more capacity into the market,” said Kilavuka.

Kilavuka noted that the airline needed to take practical steps in the short term to address the pertinent challenges in the market.

Ruto's abolishment of visa requirements

The airline anticipated an influx in the number of travellers following President William Ruto's announcement to end visa requirements for all visitors to Kenya by January 2024.

The head of state highlighted the importance of eliminating unnecessary borders, describing them as hurdles to Africa's potential.

Ruto emphasised the unity of the continent and the need for Africa to forge its own path.

“With the arrival of the aircraft, we expect to see improved operational stability and efficiency, as well as enhanced capacity for the convenience of our passengers,” noted Kilavuka.

The wide-bodied aircraft has a capacity for 299 passengers, split into 24 in the business cabin and 275 in the economy class.

A330 Airbus also augments the existing cargo space with additional belly capacity.