Kenya Airways has finalised its long-term fleet renewal plans with a $750 million five-year programme that will see the airline move to an all-Boeing fleet.
The decision to acquire a mix of Boeing 737-700s and 767-300ERs was taken two days before the loss of one of its four Airbus A310s in a take-off crash in Abidjan. The plan, under which the Airbuses will be replaced over the next two years, follows an evaluation which included the Airbus A330-200 (Flight International, 27 October-2 November, 1999).
"The selection involved a full study of the airline's needs and detailed analysis of the capabilities and costs of the aircraft available," says chairman of Kenya's fleet planning subcommittee Titus Naikuni.
Details of the new fleet are not available, although it is understood that the acquisition of four 737-700s is planned, with a similar number of 767s likely. The airline was expected to provide full details of the acquisitions in early February, but an announcement has been delayed by the accident.
Kenya's short-haul fleet comprises two 737-200s and four 737-300s. When complete, the airline will have an all-Boeing fleet consisting of 767-300ERs, 737-300s and the new 737-700s.
The selection is likely to have been influenced by Kenya's alliance partner and part owner KLM, which has an all-Boeing fleet including Next Generation 737s and 767-300ERs.
Source: Flight International
