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.jpg) Kenya AirwaysBoeing 787-8 | |||||||
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| Founded | 22 January 1977; 48 years ago (1977-01-22) | ||||||
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| Commenced operations | 4 February 1977; 48 years ago (1977-02-04) | ||||||
| Hubs | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport | ||||||
| Frequent-flyer program | Asante Rewards[2] | ||||||
| Alliance | SkyTeam | ||||||
| Subsidiaries |
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| Fleet size | 37 | ||||||
| Destinations | 44[3] | ||||||
| Headquarters | Embakasi,Nairobi,Kenya | ||||||
| Key people |
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| Revenue |  KSh 18 billion (US$139.2million) (FY 2024)[4] | ||||||
| Operating income | KSh 10,531 million (US$80.38 million) (FY 2023)[5] | ||||||
| Profit | KSh 5.4 billion shillings (US$42.82 million) (FY 2024)[4] | ||||||
| Total assets | KSh 176,613 million (FY 2023)[5] | ||||||
| Employees | 3,825 (2022) | ||||||
| Website | www | ||||||
Kenya Airways Ltd., more commonly known asKenya Airways, is theflag carrierairline ofKenya.[6] The company was founded in 1977, after the dissolution ofEast African Airways. Its head office is located inEmbakasi,Nairobi,[7] with itshub atJomo Kenyatta International Airport.[8]
The airline was owned by theGovernment of Kenya until April 1995, and was privatised in 1996, becoming the firstAfrican flag carrier to successfully do so.[9] Kenya Airways is currently a public-private partnership. The largest shareholder is the Government of Kenya (48.9%), with 38.1% being owned by KQ Lenders Company 2017 Ltd (in turn owned by a consortium of banks), followed byKLM, which has a 7.8% stake in the company. Private owners hold the rest of the shares; shares are traded on theNairobi Stock Exchange, theDar es Salaam Stock Exchange, and theUganda Securities Exchange.[9][10][11]
The airline became a member ofSkyTeam in June 2010, and has been a member of theAfrican Airlines Association since 1977.[12][13]
Kenya Airways was established by theGovernment of Kenya on 22 January 1977, following the break-up of theEast African Community and the consequent demise ofEast African Airways (EAA).[12][14][15] On 4 February 1977,[16]: 90 twoBoeing 707-321s leased fromBritish Midland Airways inaugurated operations,[17] serving the Nairobi–Frankfurt–London route.[18] On internal and regional flights, the carrier deployed aircraft formerly operated by the EAA consortium, such as oneDouglas DC-9-52 and threeFokker F-27-200s.[18][nb 1] In late 1977, threeBoeing 707s were acquired fromNorthwest Orient.[20] The following year, the company formed a charter subsidiary named Kenya Flamingo Airlines, which leased aircraft from the parent airline in order to operate international passenger and cargo services.[21]Aer Lingus provided the company with technical and management support in the early years.[22]
In July 1980, the airline had 2,100 employees and a fleet of threeBoeing 707-320Bs, oneBoeing 720B, one Douglas DC-9-30 and threeFokker F-27-200s. At this time,Addis Ababa,Athens,Bombay,Cairo,Copenhagen,Frankfurt,Jeddah,Kampala,Karachi,Khartoum,London,Lusaka,Mauritius,Mogadishu,Rome,Salisbury,Seychelles andZürich were among the airline's international destinations, whereas domestic routes radiated from Nairobi toKisumu,Malindi,Mombasa andMumias.[15] A Nairobi–Bombay nonstop route was launched in 1982 using Boeing 707-320Bs.[23] A year later, the company commenced servingTanzania while flights toBurundi,Malawi andRwanda were launched in 1984. Capacity on the European routes was boosted in November 1985 with the incorporation of anAirbus A310-200leased fromCondor.Kilimanjaro was first served in March 1986.[24] That year, the airline ordered twoAirbus A310-300s. Kenya Airways was the first African carrier to acquire the type and was the firstwide-bodies ordered by the company.[25] Funded with aUS$20,000,000 (equivalent to $57,370,978 in 2024) loan,[26] the delivery of these two aircraft took place in May and September 1986.[24][27] They flew on the Kenya–Europe corridor, and permitted Kenya Airways to return theA310-200 to the lessor.[24] In early 1988, the carrier ordered twoFokker 50s;[28] for domestic routes, the airline received the first of these aircraft at the end of the year.[29] Also in 1988, the lease of a thirdAirbus A310-300 was arranged with theInternational Lease Finance for a ten-year period;[30] the aircraft joined the fleet in November 1989.[31] Leased fromAnsett Worldwide, the firstBoeing 757-200 was received in January 1990, whereas a third Fokker 50 was acquired in October 1990. By late 1991, two Boeing 737-200s had been leased fromGuinness Peat Aviation.[31]
In 1986,Sessional Paper Number 1 was published by the Government of Kenya, outlining the country's need for economic development and growth. The document stressed the government's opinion that the airline would be better off privately owned, thus resulting in the first privatisation attempt. The government namedPhilip Ndegwa aschairman of the board in 1991, with specific orders to make the airline aprivately owned company. In 1992, thePublic Enterprise Reform paper was published, giving Kenya Airways priority among national companies in Kenya to be privatised.[12] Ndegwa was succeeded by Isaac Omolo Okero. In September 1992, Brian Davies was appointed as the newManaging Director of the company.[31] Davies had been previously hired to carry out a study of viability on privatisation,[31] working forBritish Airways' Speedwing consulting arm.[32]Swissair was the first company to provide Kenya Airways with privatisation advice.[31] In the fiscal year 1993 to 1994, the airline produced its first profit since the start of commercialisation.[33] In 1994, theInternational Finance Corporation was appointed to assist in the privatisation process, which effectively began in 1995.[34] A large aviation industry partner was sought to acquire 40% of the shares, with another 40% reserved for private investors and the government keeping the remaining stake. The government would absorb almostUS$90 million in debts and would convert anotherUS$31 million it provided in loans into equity; after reorganisation, the company would have a debt of approximatelyUS$78 million.[31] British Airways, KLM,Lufthansa andSouth African Airways were among the airlines to express interest in taking a stake in Kenya Airways.[33][34][35]
KLM purchased a 26% shareholding, becoming the largest shareholder.[34][36][37][38] Shares were floated to the public in March 1996, and the airline started trading in theNairobi Stock Exchange.[39] The Government of Kenya kept a 23% stake in the company, and offered the remaining 51% to the public; however, non-Kenyan shareholders could hold a maximum 49% share of the airline.[34][36][37] Despite 40% of the shares being kept by foreign investors following privatisation (including KLM's 26% stake), top management positions were held by Kenyans.[32] Following the takeover, the government of Kenya capitalisedUS$70 million, while the airline was awarded aUS$15 million loan from theInternational Finance Corporation to modernise its fleet.[34] In a deal worthUS$82 million, twoBoeing 737-300s were ordered in July 1996.[40]
In January 2000, the airline experienced its first fatal accident when an Airbus A310 that had been bought new in 1986crashed offIvory Coast, shortly after taking off fromAbidjan.[41][42] By April the same year, the fleet consisted of four Airbus A310-300s,[nb 2] twoBoeing 737-200 Advanced and fourBoeing 737-300s. At this time the company had a staff of 2,780, including 400 engineers, 146 flight crew and 365 cabin crew. From its main hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, scheduled services were operated to Abidjan, Addis Ababa,Amsterdam,Bujumbura, Cairo, Copenhagen,Dar es Salaam,Douala,Dubai,Eldoret,Entebbe/Kampala,Harare,Johannesburg, Karachi, Khartoum,Kigali,Kinshasa,Lagos,Lilongwe,Lokichoggio, London, Lusaka,Mahe Island,Malindi, Mombasa,Mumbai, andZanzibar.[16]: 90 In 2002, an order for threeBoeing 777-200ERs was placed with Boeing; an additional aircraft of the type was acquired in November 2005.[43] In March 2006, sixBoeing 787-8s were ordered; the first two examples would be delivered in 2010 and the rest in 2011.[44] The original Boeing 787 order was amended nine months later to include three more aircraft of the type.[45] The first Embraer E190 joined the fleet in December 2010.[46]
In June 2012, the company announced the issuance of rights worthKSh.20 billion/=, aimed at increasing capital to support expansion plans.[47][48][49] Following the allocation of shares, KLM increased their stake in the company from 26% to 26.73%, while the Kenyan government boosted their participation into the company from 23% to 29.8%, becoming the largest shareholder.[50][51] In April 2012, the airline launched a plan namedProject Mawingu (theSwahili word meaningClouds) to add 24 destinations by 2021, including the start of services toAustralia andNorth andSouth America, and expanding its presence in Asia as well.[52] In October 2013, the airline stated that it will add six new destinations every year, following the delivery ofBoeing 777s and787s the carrier has on order.[53]
Operational results for fiscal years 2015 and 2016 showed substantial losses.[54] The rapid expansion of the fleet and routes (dubbed "Project Mawingu") was cited as the primary cause of the downturn. Fuel-price hedging and the 1996 agreement withKLM, considered intrusive in the running of the flag carrier, took secondary blame.[55] Corrective measures were taken to improve the financial and operational position of the airline and avert insolvency. The route partnership with KLM was deemed profitable thus, kept. However, the parties agreed to amend some features of the deal that hurt KQ -IATA code for Kenya Airways. TwoBoeing 737-700 were sold and five newer, leased airliners were sub-leased to improve cash flow.[56] Efforts to financially re-position the carrier were successful at the end of 2017. In a complex deal, stakeholders agreed to convert close to half a billion US dollars in equity loans, changing the ownership structure. The government of Kenya, the biggest lender, saw its holdings rise from 29.8% to 48.9% while that of KLM was diluted from 26.7% down to 7.8%. A consortium of local banks, through a special-purpose vehicle called: "KQ Lenders Company 2017 Ltd.", ended up with 38.1%. The latter entity is obligated with a loan from the above local banks for US$225 million; this amount, in turn, is guaranteed by the government. The airline's employees, through a shareholding scheme, and others own the remaining 5.2%.[57] The Government of Kenya issued a guarantee for a further US$525 million debt owed to Import-Export Bank of the United States, financier of the newerBoeing planes of its fleet. In a bid to recover their exposure, syndicated leaseholders and banks unsuccessfully fought these measures to restructure the carrier's ownership.[58]
An outline of a plan to restore profitability was disclosed in a March 2018 interview given by the CEO and the chairman of the company. The turnaround operation will include route expansion, pursuing the high-end segment of the market, on partnerships and joint ventures with other airlines.[59] The carrier plans to add up to twenty new destinations in Africa, Europe and Asia in the next five years. Five sub-leased aircraft are to re-join the fleet by the end of 2019 to facilitate this move.[60][59] Preparations are underway to roll out an economy-plus class to target the business and high-end leisure travellers. Direct flights to luxury tourism destinations in the Indian Ocean are also planned.[61] Talks are underway withSouth African Airways regarding route-sharing and aircraft-maintenance collaboration; this is the other focus of the turnaround scheme.[60] In December 2018 Kenya Airways revealed plans to start flights between Nairobi and Windhoek, Namibia.[62]
The airline announced plans to undergo a $1 billion restructuring in 2021 to help it recover from theCOVID-19 pandemic.[63] Upon announcing major losses in 2022, the carrier announced plans to cut ties with the Kenyan government by the end of 2023.[64]
In 2024, passenger numbers grew by 10% to 2.54 million, with an expanded capacity leading to a revenue increase of 22% to Ksh91 billion, The airline's capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometers (ASKs), increased by 16% to 7.991 billion ASKs, while revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) improved by 14%.[65][unreliable source?]
In March 2025, Kenya Airways reported a pre-tax profit of $42.82 million.[66]
The key trends for the Kenya Airways group over recent years are shown below (to 31 March until 2017; periods ending 31 December thereafter):[67]
| Turnover (KSh bn) | Profit before tax (EBT) (KSh bn) | Net profit (KSh bn) | Number of employees | Number of passengers (m) | Passenger load factor (%) | Cargo carried (000s tonnes) | Number of aircraft[a] | Notes/references | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 70.7 | 2.6 | 4,133 | 2.9 | 66.5 | 27 | [68] | ||
| 2011 | 85.8 | 5.0 | 4,355 | 3.1 | 69.2 | 31 | [69] | ||
| 2012 | 107 | 2.1 | 4,834 | 3.6 | 71.7 | 34 | [69] | ||
| 2013 | 98.8 | −10.8 | 4,006 | 3.7 | 68.7 | 43 | [70][71] | ||
| 2014 | 106 | −4.8 | 3,989 | 3.7 | 65.6 | 47 | [72] | ||
| 2015 | 110 | −29.7 | 4,002 | 4.2 | 63.6 | 52 | [73][74] | ||
| 2016 | 116 | −26.0 | −29.7 | 3,870 | 4.2 | 68.3 | 47 | [75] | |
| 2017 (Mar) | 106 | −10.2 | −9.9 | 3,582 | 4.5 | 72.3 | 46 | [76] | |
| 2017 (Dec) | 80.7 | −6.3 | −6.4 | 3,548 | 3.4 | 76.2 | 47 | 9 months [77] | |
| 2018 | 114 | −7.5 | −7.5 | 3,905 | 4.8 | 77.6 | 45 | [77] | |
| 2019 | 128 | −12.9 | −12.9 | 3,816 | 4.4 | 77.0 | 68.2 | 42 | [78] |
| 2020 | 52.8 | −36.5 | −36.2 | 3,652 | 1.8 | 65.3 | 49.4 | 42 | [b][78] |
| 2021 | 70.2 | −16.0 | −15.8 | 3,544 | 2.2 | 60.8 | 63.7 | 40 | [79] |
| 2022 | 116 | −38.3 | −38.2 | 3,825 | 3.7 | 74.5 | 65.9 | 39 | [80] |
| 2023 | 178 | −22.8 | −22.6 | 4,342 | 5.0 | 78.4 | 56.5 | 40 | [81] |
| 2024 | 188 | 5.53 | 5.4 | 4,828 | 5.23 | 75.2 | 70.0 | 35 | [82] |
Low-cost carrierJambojet, created in 2013,[83] and African Cargo Handling Limited are both wholly owned subsidiaries of Kenya Airways.
Partly owned companies include Kenya Airfreight Handling Limited, dedicated to the cargo handling of perishable goods (51%-owned)[84] andTanzanian carrierPrecision Air (41.23%-owned).[70]
As of August 2023[update], Allan Kilavuka held both the Group Managing Director and CEO position.[85] Kilavuka was appointed as Kenya Airways Group's acting CEO in December 2019, succeedingSebastian Mikosz, who resigned amidnationalisation plans for the airline.[86] Mikosz, formerly CEO ofLOT Polish Airlines, had taken office as Kenya Airways Group'smanaging director and CEO on 1 June 2017.[87] Kilavuka was later confirmed in the substantive role.[88]
Kenya Airways serves 44 destinations with 61 different routes, as of August 2023[update].[85]
KLM sponsored Kenya Airways' SkyTeam candidacy process in mid-2005.[89] In September 2007, Kenya Airways became one of the first official SkyTeam Associate Airline[90][91] and achieved full membership in June 2010.[92][93] The alliance provides Kenya Airways' passengers with access to the member airlines' worldwide network and passenger facilities.[94][95]
Kenya Airways hascodeshare agreements with the following airlines:[96]
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As of August 2025[update], Kenya Airways operates the following aircraft:[112]
| Aircraft | In service | Orders | Passengers | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | Y | Total | ||||
| Boeing 737-800 | 9 | — | 16 | 129 | 145 | |
| Boeing 787-8 | 9 | — | 30 | 204 | 234 | |
| Embraer E190 | 15 | — | 12 | 84 | 96 | [113] |
| Kenya Airways Cargo fleet | ||||||
| Boeing 737-300SF | 2 | — | Cargo | [114] | ||
| Boeing 737-800SF | 2 | — | Cargo | [115] | ||
| Total | 37 | — | ||||
The first of four converted Boeing 737-300s was delivered to the company in April 2013; Kenya Airways planned to fly this aircraft on African routes served by the Embraer E190s, to boost cargo capacity.[114] The company took delivery of its first Boeing 777-300ER in October 2013.[116][117]
Kenya Airways had nineBoeing 787s on order as of April 2011, although the company considered cancelling the order after systematic delays with the delivery dates.[45][118] The handover of the first Boeing 787 took place on 4 April 2014.[119][120] Two days later, Nairobi–Paris became the first route to be served by the Boeing 787.[121]
Kenya Airways phased out its Boeing 777s in May 2015 after the airline made losses and incurred debts in the previous financial year.[122][123] The Boeing 777-300ER fleet was leased toTurkish Airlines in May 2016.[124]
In 2022, the airline announced a plan to downsize its fleet.[125] In 2023, the airline announced plans to retire all non-Boeing aircraft and become an all-Boeing airline.[126]
On 20 December 2023, Kenya Airways announced that they had secured an agreement withHi Fly Malta for an additional aircraft to enhance operational capacity and flexibility for the peak travel season, being delivered on 20 December, and completing its first flight for the airline a day later, operating KQ310,[127] from Nairobi to Dubai.
The airline took delivery of its firstBoeing 737-800SF in November 2023; the aircraft was deployed on revenue service in February 2024.[114][128]
Kenya Airways has unveiled a $400 million (KSh 51-52 billion) five-year fleet expansion strategy aimed at increasing its aircraft count from 34 to 53 planes by 2029. The investment will fund both new aircraft acquisitions and modernization of existing fleet, including cabin upgrades like in-flight Wi-Fi installation and enhanced interior features to improve passenger experience. CEO Allan Kilavuka emphasized this move is critical for boosting operational efficiency and competitiveness amid industry-wide aircraft shortages, noting that global supply chain delays have already impacted deliveries—such as receiving only one of six planned Boeing 767s this year.
The expansion faces significant hurdles, including multi-year delays in new aircraft production due to global supply constraints and maintenance challenges that have grounded part of its current fleet (including Boeing 787s). To execute this plan, Kenya Airways is seeking flexible lease arrangements and urging government support to secure a strategic investor, as highlighted by outgoing Chairman Michael Joseph. The initiative aligns with the airline’s broader financial turnaround efforts after posting a KES 5.4 billion profit in 2024, driven by its Project Kifaru restructuring program.[129]
The company has previously operated the following aircraft:[130]
In 2005, Kenya Airways changed itslivery. The four stripes running all through the length of the fuselage were replaced by the company sloganPride of Africa, whereas theKA tail logo was replaced by a styledK encircled with aQ to evoke the airline'sIATA airline code.
Former Kenya Airways'frequent flyer programmeMsafiri was merged withKLM'sFlying Dutchman in 1997,[12] which was in turn merged with that of Air France and rebranded asFlying Blue in 2005, following the fusion of both companies. Gold Elite and Platinum Elite members of the Flying Blue programme are offered theJV Lounge.[136] This service is provided to Kenya Airways passengers, and to passengers flying with its partner airlines as well.[136]Simba Lounge is a service provided to Kenya Airways Business passengers only.[136] Both lounges are located atJomo Kenyatta International Airport.[136]
Differentin-flight entertainment is available depending upon the aircraft and theclass travelled. The airline's in-flight magazine is calledMsafiri, and is distributed among the passengers in all aircraft, irrespective of the class.[137]
Premier Worldentertainment isAVOD;NVOD is offered inEconomy class.[138]
These aircraft offer overhead screens in both classes, plus eight channels of audio.[139]
These aircraft offer individual in-seattouchscreens.[140]
Kenya Airways has had two fatal accidents and sixhull-loss accidents.[142]
Flag carrier Kenya Airways has confirmed that all flights from the airport have been cancelled until further notice.
Hub airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Kenya Airways is now using McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30s formerly operated by East African Airways on regional services
Kenya Airways has purchased three Boeing 707s from Northwest Orient
Aer Lingus is providing technical and management assistance under contract.
A$20 million loan has been guaranteed by the Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) to help finance Kenya Airways' purchase of two Airbus A310-300s. Finance has been arranged by theMidland Bank.
Kenya Airways has just taken delivery of a second Airbus A310-300.
Kenya Airways has ordered two Fokker 50s for delivery in late 1988. Already an F.27 operator, Kenya Airways is taking the aircraft as part of a fleet modernisation and expansion programme.
Kenya Airways has taken delivery of its first Fokker 50 turboprop.
Kenya Airways (KQ) took delivery of its third new Embraer 190, as part of an order for five of the type placed last year. KQ received the first E-190 in December 2010 and the second one joined the fleet in June; the fourth aircraft is expected to touch down at Jomo Kenyatta International in a few weeks.
Our 15 member airlines provide you comprehensive access to an extensive global network with more destinations, more frequencies and more connectivity than ever before.
Kenya Airways launched its first Boeing 787 on the Nairobi-Paris route on June 4.
The aircraft - central to the hub's regional development - are replacing two 737-200s leased fromGPA.
The airline is currently celebrating its silver jubilee – and its links with Rolls-Royce began with Dart engines for Fokker F27s...moving more recently to RB211-535s on its Boeing B-757s.
Media related toKenya Airways at Wikimedia Commons
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