LOW KEY CEREMONY MARKS ARRIVAL OF YET ANOTHER EMBRAER E190 IN NAIROBI
Last Saturday did yet another Embraer E190 aircraft arrive in Nairobi at the Kenya Airways base in Embakasi, bringing the total number of this aircraft type to now four. One more delivery from an original order of 5 E190 placed in 2010 is due to be effected in a few weeks before a second order of 10 such jets commences deliveries in 2012. Kenya Airways also holds options for a further 16 jets from Brazils Embraer although the specific type of those aircraft has yet to be decided when the order, as is expected, is being firmed up.
The new aircraft is registered with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority as 5 Yankee Kilo Yankee Sierra or 5Y-KYS and will shortly be deployed on regional routes. The two class configuration ensures that passengers will receive the usual inflight standards and comfort with 2×2 abreast in the 84 seater economy class and 2×2 abreast in the 12 seater business class sections which offers wider seats, albeit not comparable with the superb recliners in the airlines B737 fleet. All seats have individual screens to follow the safety announcements and enjoy inflight entertainment, an investment thought to pay off through passenger loyalty. Watch this space for regular aviation updates from airlines across Eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean region.
