Kenya Airway to receive the first of three Boeing 777-300ER aircraft

Kenya Airways is set to receive the first of three Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in October this year to commence revenue service in November, reports KBC.

The new state of the art aircraft B777-300ER will be the largest in the airline’s fleet to date.

It has a seating capacity of 400; 28 Premier World, 372 Economy and long-range flying capability.

Dr. Titus Naikuni, Kenya Airways group managing director said: “This will be the largest aircraft in our fleet. Our current B777-200ER aircraft has a seating capacity of 322 passengers while this one has 400 seats. It will give our business a major lift due to its enhanced product quality, excellent range of more than 7,000 cubic feet of cargo volume; over 20 metric tons.”

He added: “The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft is a perfect fit for our network expansion plans as it will enable us serve our existing markets much more effectively and facilitate the opening of new long-haul routes in the near future.”

Anaylst Saj Ahmad said: Kenya Airways will become only the second 777-300ER in Africa behind TAAG Angola Airlines - the jet will be used not just to displace its ageing 777-200ERs, but will allow the carrier to lower seat costs substantially as it tricks out its new airplanes with 400 seats while providing additional cargo revenue capability to key economic countries like China where the 777-300ER will be deployed.

“With new 787-8s arriving in 2014, Kenya Airways is renewing its fleet with the most fuel efficient and versatile jets in the business while opening up new markets to meet growing demand - the inherent lack of direct competition in a way aids Kenya Airways' growth plans and it will be interesting to see if their ten-year strategy plan can be realised.”

Ahmad concluded: “At first glance, it looks likely that the African carrier has a lot more upside potential than many realise.”