Kenya Airways interim CEO George Kamal has revealed an ambitious multi-year growth roadmap targeting a major scale-up in both fleet and African connectivity. This disclosure was made at the recently held IATA AGM in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Kenya Airways, which currently operates 42 aircraft (including Jambojet), is planning to grow to 60 aircraft by 2030 and 100 by 2035, signalling one of the most significant expansion phases in its recent history.
Kenya Airways fleet expansion
Key fleet developments being considered by Kenya Airways include Addition of 2 Boeing 777F freighters to strengthen cargo operations alongside the current 737F fleet; Evaluation of Embraer E2 regional jets to complement the existing E190 fleet; Potential acquisition of additional Boeing 737s, including adjusted MAX delivery timelines (now expected from 2027) due to cash constraints and network re-optimization; Reintegration of a leased Boeing 777-300ER, with a possible second unit returning to the fleet and Resolution of grounded 787-8 aircraft issues, expected back in service by end of 2026, according to Ken
On the network side, Kenya Airways is targeting a 20% to 25% increase in intra-African routes, while exploring the development of a second African hub to deepen continental connectivity. Fuel costs remain a major pressure point, now exceeding 50% of operating costs in current conditions.
The strategy underscores a dual focus: expanding Kenya Airways cargo capacity, modernizing the regional fleet, and strengthening Nairobi’s position as a key African aviation hub.
The IATA 82nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) & World Air Transport Summit (WATS) took place on 6-8 June 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, hosted by LATAM Airlines Group.
The 2026 IATA AGM and WATS gathered the top leadership from airlines, the aviation value chain, and governments as the airline industry faces complex and dynamic operating, business, and geopolitical environments.
By meeting in the largest aviation market in South America, the AGM highlighted the great potential for aviation to be an even more powerful strategic force driving social and economic prosperity.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its latest financial outlook for the global airline industry showing a halving of profitability as a result of war-related Middle East disruptions and high fuel prices.
The regional landscape, however, is highly differentiated. At the geographic centre of the Middle East war, airlines in the Middle East are expected to collectively fall into the red with weak demand and operational disruptions. All other regions are expected to deliver profits, but at reduced levels from previous projections.
Airlines are expected to achieve a combined total net profit of $23.0 billion in 2026, which is roughly half the previously projected $41 billion. It is also roughly half the $45 billion net profit estimate for 2025.
The net profit margin is expected to be 2.0% in 2026, roughly half the previously projected 3.9%. It is also less than half the 4.2% estimate for the 2025 net profit margin.
Net profit per passenger transported is expected to be $4.50, half the $9.10 achieved in 2025.
Operating profit in 2026 is expected to be $48.0 billion (down from $76.4 billion in 2025) for a net operating margin of 4.1% (down from 7.2% in 2025).
Return on invested capital (ROIC) is expected to be 4.3% (down from 6.6% in 2025). This is below the 8.5% estimated weighted average cost of capital. The gap highlights again the structural weakness of the airline industry where profitability shocks quickly erode capital efficiency.
Total industry revenues are expected to reach $1.165 trillion in 2026 (up 9.4% on the $1.065 trillion in 2025).
The passenger load factor is forecast to continue to set record highs with airlines expected to fill 84.0% of all seats over the year. That is an improvement on 83.5% in 2025.
Passenger numbers are expected to reach 5.1 billion in 2026 (up 2.4% on 2025).
Cargo volumes are expected to reach 71.7 million tonnes in 2026 (up 0.2% on 2025).
“War-related disruptions in the Middle East and rising fuel costs have shifted the outlook for airlines to the worse. Globally, airlines are expected to see profitability halve compared to 2025. Profits will shrink from $45 billion in 2025 to $23 billion this year,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
ALSO READ: Kenya Airways Appoints 4 New Board Members, Among Them President Ruto’s Allies
Leave a comment