Kenya Airways brings back Boeing 777, launches 50% fare discounts ahead of 50th anniversary

Kenya Airways has brought back its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft into service and is giving passengers a rare chance to fly on one of its biggest planes on the Nairobi-Mombasa route, complete with fares discounted by up to 50 per cent.

The move marks a major milestone for the national carrier as it continues its recovery journey and gears up for its 50th anniversary celebrations.

Speaking during the aircraft's return to service on Wednesday, Kenya Airways Acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer George Kamal described the development as a symbol of the airline's progress and ambitions.

“Today marks a proud milestone for Kenya Airways as we welcome back our Boeing 777-300ER into our service,” Kamal said.

“This is more than a return of an aircraft. It's a symbol of our resilience, our ambition and the progress we continue to make as Kenya's national carrier.”

In a deliberate move, the airline has deployed the wide-body aircraft on the Nairobi-Mombasa route before returning it to long-haul international operations.

The decision gives domestic travellers a chance to experience one of the most iconic aircraft in the Kenya Airways fleet.

“We have deliberately chosen to begin this journey on the Nairobi-Mombasa route, giving Kenyans the first opportunity to experience one of the most iconic aircraft in our fleet before it returns to international operations,” Kamal said.

To sweeten the experience, the airline has introduced promotional fares offering travellers discounts of up to 50 per cent as part of the countdown to its golden jubilee celebrations.

“And to make this more exciting and to celebrate even more, we decided to make a big promotion on our fares, giving you a 50 per cent discount as we begin the countdown to Kenya Airways’ 50th anniversary,” Kamal said.

He said the promotion is a gesture of appreciation to customers who have supported the airline over the past five decades.

“This is our way of thanking our customers for being part of our journey over the past five decades,” he added.

Kenya Airways also announced that the Boeing 777-300ER is scheduled to make its inaugural flight to London on July 17, 2026, marking its return to international service.

The airline said the move will strengthen connectivity between Kenya and key global destinations while supporting its broader growth strategy.

“The return of our Boeing 777 also marks the beginning of another exciting chapter as the aircraft prepares for its inaugural flight to London on the 17th of July 2026, further strengthening our global connectivity to our customers, partners and the entire Kenya Airways family,” Kamal said.

The Boeing 777-300ER is among the largest aircraft operated by Kenya Airways and is primarily used on long-haul routes because of its extended range and larger passenger capacity.

Kamal thanked customers for their continued loyalty and said the airline remains focused on connecting Africa to the rest of the world through safe, reliable services.

“Together we continue connecting Africa to the world and the world to Africa,” he said.

As it approaches its 50th anniversary, Kenya Airways says it will continue prioritising safety, reliability and the African hospitality that has become synonymous with its brand.