As part of a turn-around Strategy, Kenya Airways has identified US based Omni Air International as the buyer of two of its Boeing B777-200ER’s in a move to phase out several such planes which were replaced with Boeing B787-8’s.
In November 2014, Kenya Airways (KQ) announced its intention to sell the B777-200 as it sought to rationalize its fleet as part of its turnaround strategy.
KQ disclosed that the first aircraft will leave for the US before end of January, while the second will be released weeks later as both aircrafts are prepared for handover.
“I am pleased that we have reached this milestone. Although we announced our intention to rationalise our fleet in line with our current position more than a year ago, it has taken a while to find a good home for our B777-200,” CEO Mbuvi Ngunze said on Tuesday.
These aircraft were delivered new to Kenya Airways between 2004 and 2007 and operated on its scheduled routes especially on long haul routes to Asia and Europe. The aircraft are powered by Rolls Royce Trent 892B engines and currently configured with 28 business and 294 economy seats.
In the last financial year, KQ posted a Sh25.7 billion loss which according to the airline was due to competition from Middle East carriers and high operating costs. Additionally, it said that travel advisories issued against Kenya leading to massive decline in the tourism industry as well as runway closures for renovation contributed to the negative growth.
Omni Air International is a US based airline providing global passenger ACMI wet lease and charter programs.
Kenya Airways, a member of the Sky Team Alliance, is a leading African airline flying to 52 destinations worldwide, 42 of which are in Africa and carries over four million passengers annually.
“We are now satisfied with this sale and will make other important announcements on fleet rationalization later this month,” Mr Mbuvi added.
