Kenya Airways acquires Boeing 737-800 from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise
February 20, 2025
The delivery of a Boeing 737-800 aircraft to Kenya Airways’ Nairobi headquarters earlier this week has seen the African carrier expand its fleet to 35 aircraft.
The 170-seater aircraft, which touched down in Nairobi earlier this week, was acquired from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE). In line with Kenya Airways’ Project Kifaru 2 initiative to modernise its fleet, optimise efficiency and elevate the passenger experience, the arrival of this latest asset underscores the airline’s strategy to increase capacity and meet growing demand across its network.
Speaking during the commissioning at Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi, Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, said the new aircraft is “testament to our continued growth and confidence in the future of African aviation… it 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.”
Ongoing fleet expansion
With the airline actively pursuing other opportunities to expand its fleet, Kilavuka and his team are currently engaged in advanced discussions with other aircraft manufacturers and lessors to secure additional narrow and wide-body aircraft.
Noting that the airline is expecting to have close to 50% additional capacity for passenger business over the next five years, Kilavuka added, the “acquisition of the B737-800 is a clear signal to the aviation industry that Kenya Airways is a reliable and forward-thinking partner.”
The airline is also seeking to expand its cargo operations. “Cargo is about 10 % of the business and we want to grow that to 20% in the next five years,” Kilavuka told reporters.
At the forefront of African aviation
He was joined at the aircraft’s delivery on 16 February by D.G. Emile Arao, Director General for Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and Kenya Airports Authority chairman, Caleb Kositany, who emphasised the “vital role” the airline plays in strengthening the country’s aviation infrastructure and “positioning Kenya as a key hub in African and global travel.”
DAE’s CEO, Firoz Tarpore, was also present for the aircraft’s arrival noting that the delivery “marks a significant milestone in our 20-year partnership and reaffirms our long-standing relationship.”
He also underlined that the new aircraft will “help meet the gorwing demand for regional travel and further expand [Kenya Airways’] network.”
