Kenya Airways Reintroduces Dreamliner to Alleviate Capacity Challenges
Kenya Airways has taken a significant step in addressing the capacity challenges it has faced since late 2024 by reintroducing one of its grounded Dreamliner aircraft into service. This move marks a crucial milestone for the airline as it works to restore normal operations and improve customer experience.
The airline’s Group Managing Director and CEO, Allan Kilavuka, confirmed that the Dreamliner will resume operations on July 22. This aircraft is one of three that had been grounded due to global supply chain disruptions and engine shortages. The return of this plane is expected to ease pressure on Kenya Airways’ fleet, which has been operating at reduced capacity over the past few months.
With the Dreamliner back in service, the airline’s available seat capacity will increase to 85%, significantly enhancing the travel experience for passengers. Kilavuka also shared that the second Dreamliner is scheduled to return to the skies by September 25, 2025, with the third expected to resume operations by December 19, 2025. This gradual reintroduction of wide-body aircraft will help the airline meet growing demand and improve its operational efficiency.
In addition to restoring its wide-body fleet, Kenya Airways is also expanding its narrow-body aircraft fleet. By the fourth quarter of 2025, the airline plans to introduce three new narrow-body planes, which will add 528 seats to its network. This expansion will also boost belly cargo capacity by an impressive 239 per cent, further strengthening the airline’s ability to serve both passengers and freight customers.
“This is a significant milestone for our fleet and operations,” Kilavuka said, emphasizing the importance of these developments. He expressed confidence that the ongoing expansion and upgrades will better position the airline to meet the increasing demand for air travel.
Kilavuka acknowledged the recent disruptions that have affected passengers, including flight delays, cancellations, and schedule adjustments. These issues, he explained, were largely driven by difficulties in sourcing aircraft parts, which prolonged the grounding of some planes. Despite these challenges, he assured customers that the airline is working diligently to resolve these issues and minimize inconvenience.
“We understand the impact these issues can have on your travel plans, and we are committed to addressing them promptly,” he said. The airline is also optimizing its route network and improving operational efficiency to enhance reliability and reduce future disruptions.
Kilavuka extended his gratitude to the airline’s technical team and industry partners for their efforts in restoring the aircraft to service. He also praised Kenya Airways employees for their continued dedication and for delivering service with what he described as “genuine African warm hospitality.”
With the return of the Dreamliners and the arrival of new aircraft, Kenya Airways aims to improve comfort, capacity, and reliability for its customers as it continues to navigate the post-pandemic recovery period. The airline’s focus on growth, efficiency, and customer satisfaction reflects its commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the global aviation market.
