Kenya Airways has received the first of nine 787 Dreamliners from Boeing.
The plane will form the backbone of the airline’s future long-haul fleet, providing greater range, improved efficiency and passenger comfort.
The 787 uses 20% less fuel than today’s similarly-sized aeroplanes.
Passengers can enjoy larger, electronically-dimmable windows and larger overhead luggage bins. During flight, the 787 is pressurised to a lower cabin altitude, has higher humidity levels, advanced air filtration and smoother-ride technology.
The delivery of additional 787s, along with 777-300ER (Extended Range) aeroplanes, forms part of the carrier’s 10-year strategic plan called “Project Mawingu”. The plan is focused on increasing the airline’s fleet size from 44 aeroplanes to 107 by 2021, and destinations from the 62 to 115.
Currently, the Nairobi-based carrier operates an all-Boeing long-haul fleet of six 767-300ERs, four 777-200ERs and one 777-300ER.
KQ’s first 787 is scheduled to begin flying regionally within Africa in the coming weeks, before beginning long-haul service to Paris in early June.