Kenya Airways (KQ) has unveiled an ambitious long-term growth strategy that will see its fleet more than triple to 100 aircraft by 2035 as the national carrier seeks to strengthen its position as one of Africa’s leading airlines.
The expansion plan signals renewed confidence in the airline’s recovery following years of financial restructuring, operational challenges and fleet maintenance disruptions.
Fleet set to more than triple
Speaking during the airline’s annual Travel Agency Awards in Nairobi, Kenya Airways announced it intends to increase its operational fleet from the current 32 aircraft to 67 by 2030 before reaching 100 aircraft five years later.
The airline said the additional aircraft will enable it to launch new destinations, increase flight frequencies and reinforce Nairobi’s status as a major regional aviation hub.
The expansion is expected to support the airline’s long-term strategy of improving connectivity within Africa while strengthening routes to Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Passenger numbers projected to hit nine million
Kenya Airways is forecasting significant growth in passenger traffic over the next decade.
The airline expects annual passenger numbers to increase from the current 5.2 million to approximately nine million by 2030, driven by growing demand for both regional and international travel.
The projections align with forecasts by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which expects Africa’s aviation market to continue expanding steadily over the coming years.
Boeing 777 returns to boost capacity
As part of its recovery strategy, Kenya Airways recently returned its Boeing 777-300ER to commercial service on the Nairobi–London Heathrow route.
The wide-body aircraft, which can accommodate around 400 passengers, offers substantially more seating and cargo capacity than the Boeing 787 Dreamliner previously deployed on several flights to London.
The airline said the aircraft’s return comes at a time of strong travel demand and will also strengthen cargo operations between Kenya and Europe.
The move follows months of efforts to restore stability across the airline’s fleet after maintenance requirements and global supply chain disruptions temporarily grounded several Boeing 787 Dreamliners, affecting schedules and capacity.
Travel agents remain key partners
Acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Captain George Kamal said Kenya Airways’ expansion plans will depend not only on fleet growth but also on continued collaboration with travel industry partners.
“As Kenya Airways approaches our 50-year milestone, our future success will continue to be built through strong relationships and shared success with the travel trade. Travel trade partners are our largest distribution channel in Kenya, and we see our growth and yours as one journey,” Kamal said.
According to the airline, travel agencies currently account for nearly 60 per cent of passenger ticket sales, making them a critical component of its commercial strategy.
Focus on cargo and investment
Beyond passenger transport, Kenya Airways is also seeking to expand its cargo business by acquiring additional freighter aircraft to tap into Africa’s growing air freight market.
The airline has previously indicated that implementing the expansion strategy will require substantial capital investment, which is expected to be raised through a combination of equity financing, strategic partnerships and other funding arrangements.
Kenya Airways believes the long-term investment will strengthen its competitiveness, improve regional connectivity and position the airline for sustainable growth over the next decade.
