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Kenya Airways is reinforcing its status as the ‘pride of Africa’ with new aircraft to serve a growing Middle East network, explains regional manager Abraham Joseph.
How long has Kenya Airways been active in the Middle East market?
Dubai was selected as our first Middle East destination over 25 years ago and we currently have 10 flights a week to the emirate, which are operated using Boeing 767-300ER aircraft in two-class configuration, with a total capacity for around 220 passengers. In addition, Kenya Airways operates thrice a week to the Oman capital of Muscat and since October 2011, we have also been serving Jeddah in Saudi Arabia with a Boeing 737-800 service twice a week.
Is there potential to expand your Middle East network in the future?
The growth potential is very strong and I believe that Kenya Airways has an exciting year ahead in this region, as our Dubai service will become double daily and more frequency will be added to the Jeddah service as well. At the same time, opportunities are being explored in new markets across the Middle East. For example, there are plans to commence a Beirut service by the middle of 2012, while flights to Karachi in Pakistan are also being considered, which will be served via Dubai. These developments are part of a 10-year growth plan that was approved by the Kenya Airways board last year. As part of the strategy, our fleet will triple in size to 100 aircraft, supporting a fast-growing network in the Middle East region, as well as North and South America, Europe, the Far East and India.
How important is a fleet expansion as part of this 10-year growth plan?
Expanding and modernising the fleet will be very important to ensure the success of our ambitious plan. Kenya Airways has placed an order for nine Boeing 787 Dreamliners, the delivery of which has unfortunately been delayed and will now start from late 2013 or early 2014. However, the 787 made its first appearance in Kenya as part of Boeing’s international ‘Dream Tour’ last December, allowing Kenya Airways staff and partners, as well as the media, to experience the Dreamliner firsthand. This created a lot of excitement and the response was extremely positive.
Have other aircraft been ordered as part of the airline’s fleet expansion?
Yes, Kenya Airways has ordered two Boeing 777-300ERs, which will enter service in the middle of 2013. These will initially replace our Boeing 767-300ERs on the Dubai route, until the Dreamliner comes into operation. In addition, we have ordered Boeing 737-800 next generation aircraft and the total number of Embraer jets in our fleet will be increased to 16, which will be operated on regional routes.
What other factors are influencing the development of Kenya Airways?
The latest economic data has indicated that Africa in the next international growth area, due to the new found wealth of many countries in terms of natural oil and gas, minerals and precious metals. Nairobi has emerged as the hub of Africa and we are determined to cover all major cities in the continent over the next two years. At the moment, over 42 African destinations are served by Kenya Airways, which is more than any other airline. Our growth will also be fuelled by the increasing popularity of Kenya as a tourism destination. From the great Masai Mara, which is one of the most beautiful places on earth for a holiday, to the unique experience of a Kenyan safari, travellers are wanting to return over and over again. In addition, the hospitality of the Kenyan people and the modern facilities and available hotels / lodges for tourism are unbelievable.
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