Kenya airways turns to GE for fuel-saving deal

Kenya Airways (KQ) has selected US firm GE Aviation for the Flight Operations suite of digital products to maximize its efficiency with accurate data and analytics on all the carriers’ fleet.

GE Aviation provides digital solutions and electrical power systems for aircrafts ranging from commercial, military jet engines and avionics.

According to GE Aviation chief digital officer John Mansfield KQ will have insights in its fleet performance and track fuel saving initiatives across its fleet.

“Kenya Airways was looking for a way to monitor fleet performance, implement and track fuel saving initiatives across their network and empower their pilots to help drive efficiency,” said Mansfield in a statement.

He further added that the aim of the organisation is to reduce the multi-billion fuel bill that hits KQ and increase efficiency.

“The fidelity in our flight analytics, together with the team’s experience from analyzing more than 175 million flights, will enable Kenya Airways to better manage operations with data-driven solutions. We are bringing together analytics with physical assets to help significantly reduce cost,” he added.

{ Read: Kenya Airways plunges to Sh7.5 billion full year loss }

KQ spends about 27 percent of its expenditure on fuel alone, according to the firm’s 2018 annual report. This, according to the airline’s management, present a significant challenge to its recovery in the aviation industry.

KQ settled on GE Aviation because of its leadership and innovation in flight analytics and deep aviation experience.

“The partnership with GE Aviation will empower Kenya Airways to optimise its fuel costs and excel in flight operations. GE brings a wealth of knowledge to help the airline fast track efficiencies enabling improvements in operations and customer experience,” said KQ director of operations Paul Njoroge.

Implementation of GE aviation to the KQ is currently underway with completion this year.

Kenya Airways posted a Sh7.55 billion net loss for year ended December 2018 as higher costs offset a jump in revenue.

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