KENYA AIRWAYS BECOMES THE WORLD’S MOST EFFICIENT B787 OPERATOR
(Posted 25th October 2014)
With now six B787-8 Dreamliners in service has Kenya Airways just set a new reliability record with a 99.4 percent dispatch percentage, as compared to the global average of 98 percent.
Boeing sources attributed this astonishing feat to the level of preparedness by Kenya Airways to operate the new aircraft type, when, after receiving the first Dreamliner, KQ kept the aircraft out of service to train crews, ground personnel and engineering staff at their base in Embakasi before the aircraft then joined active service.
Kenya Airways maintains their Boeing aircraft at Embakasi which of course is a major plus point to keep the fleet in a constant state of airworthiness.
Company sources also quietly expressed their hope that the operating results for quarter three – October to December – and the final quarter of this financial year, will already show marked improvements as the economics of the B787 impact on the bottom line. With all of the fuel guzzling B767’s gone since August will the reduced fuel burn of the B787 – saving some 20 percent over the old aircraft type – no doubt be felt, besides greater payloads and wider ranges.
Kenya Airways now also operates Africa’s youngest aircraft fleet since earlier this month two brand new Boeings were delivered, in itself also a major accomplishment. This trend will further strengthen when before the end of the year another B737-8HX will be delivered and early next year when the remaining 3 B787’s join the Kenya Airways fleet. Combined with new transfer busses for passengers from apron parking positions, and the new Terminal 1A home, is Kenya Airways clearly on the rise and flying into a bright future. Watch this space.
