Kenya Airways has announced the return of one of its grounded Dreamliner aircraft to service, marking a major step in resolving the capacity challenges it has faced since late 2024.
The airline's Group Managing Director and CEO, Allan Kilavuka, confirmed that the Dreamliner will resume operations on July 22.
The aircraft is one of three that were grounded due to global supply chain disruptions and engine shortages.
This development is expected to ease the pressure on Kenya Airways’ fleet, which has been operating at reduced capacity.
With the Dreamliner’s return, the airline’s available seat capacity will rise to 85%, significantly improving the travel experience for its customers.
Kilavuka noted that the second Dreamliner is scheduled to be back in the skies by September 25, 2025, with the third expected to resume operations by December 19, 2025.
In addition to restoring its wide-body fleet, Kenya Airways is also set to expand its narrow-body aircraft fleet.
The introduction of three new narrow-body planes by the fourth quarter of 2025 will add 528 seats and increase belly cargo capacity by an impressive 239 per cent.
"This is a significant milestone for our fleet and operations," Kilavuka said.
He expressed optimism that the ongoing expansion and upgrades will better position the airline to meet growing travel demand.
He also acknowledged the recent disruptions that have affected passengers, including flight delays, cancellations, and schedule adjustments. These issues, he said, were largely driven by difficulties in sourcing aircraft parts, which prolonged the grounding of some planes.
Despite these challenges, Kilavuka assured customers that the airline is working tirelessly to resolve issues and minimise inconvenience.
“We understand the impact these issues can have on your travel plans, and we are committed to addressing them promptly,” he said.
Kenya Airways is also optimising its route network and improving operational efficiency to further enhance reliability.
Kilavuka extended his gratitude to the airline’s technical team and industry partners for their efforts in restoring the aircraft to service.
He also praised Kenya Airways employees for their continued dedication and for delivering service with what he called “genuine African warm hospitality.”
With the return of the Dreamliners and the arrival of new aircraft, Kenya Airways aims to improve comfort, capacity, and reliability for its customers as it navigates the post-pandemic recovery period.
