NAIROBI – National carrier Kenya Airways has broken new operating efficiency ground following the ranking of its recently acquired fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft among other global airlines. According to a mid-term technical evaluation report by Boeing, the aircraft manufacturers, Kenya Airways’ fleet of five 787 Dreamliner planes received by early October have been performing at an operations reliability rate of 99.4%, making KQ number one among Dreamliner airline operators in terms of scheduled interruptions.
The technical report shows that at such an operations reliability score, the Kenya Airways fleet is performing above the current 787 Dreamliner fleet average reliability performance rate of 98% for such models operating globally. Boeing attributes this to maintenance according to Boeing recommendations and best industry practices.
“This effectively means that our guests on the Dreamliner routes are now enjoying exceptional on-time performance from Kenya Airways with minimum delays,” explained Kenya Airways incoming CEO Mr Mbuvi Ngunze. “This technical report also confirms the viability of our ongoing fleet renewal programme which is geared at guaranteeing our capacity to deliver quality and reliable services.”
Alongside Kenya Airways, Boeing has lined up 79 deliveries this year, up from 65 made last year to key customers including Air Canada, Air India, Air New Zealand, Royal Brunei, and Royal Jordanian among others. Having already received six Boeing 787 aircraft, this year and with three more expected by mid next year, KQ is enjoying greater range, improved fuel efficiencies and passenger comfort and experience.
With the wide-bodied planes deliveries and growing reliability, Kenya Airways will also be exploring new markets. The 787 is the world’s most technologically advanced airplane with composite materials making up 50% of the primary structure by weight, including the fuselage and wing.
In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to midsize airplanes, the 787 is providing Kenya Airways with enhanced fuel efficiency, using 20% less fuel than today’s similarly sized airplanes The deliveries of additional 787s, along with extended range 777-300ER airplanes, forms part of the carrier’s 10-year strategic plan to expand its fleet. The plan is geared at expanding its destinations.
