Kenya Airways to acquire nine 787-Dreamliners

Kenya Airways has signed a deal to acquire nine new 787-8 Dreamliners in 2013 as it plans to replace old fleets and expand to new markets.

The national carrier had previously signed signed an agreement with Boeing in 2006 to be supplied with the planes, which stipulated that the first aircraft be delivered in 2010.

The deal failed but after reaching an agreement on Thursday, the first Dreamliner plane will be delivered in the third quarter of 2013.

KQ chief executive officer Titus Naikuni, while signing the agreement, said that the new acquisition, though delayed was the investment needed to expand their market share.

The new aircrafts are expected to replace the ageing 767 fleet.

Boeing Africa sales director, Rob Faye noted that the new aircrafts have innovative interior environment, higher humidity, wider seats, aisles and larger windows.

The 787 planes carry between 200 to 300 passengers on routes between 6,500 to 16,000 kilometres.

The new planes will also accommodate 45 per cent cargo than the previous model.