Kenya Airways signs up with GECAS for 2 more B777-300ER

(eTN) – Kenya Airways (KQ) has confirmed that they have signed a long-term lease agreement with leading aircraft leasing company GECAS for the delivery of two more very long haul B777-300ER, at a press conference held at the InterContinental Hotel in Nairobi.

The two aircraft are due to boost the airline’s capacity and allow for the planned expansion of destinations into key markets, and will be delivered between October 2013 and May 2014. Dr. Titus Naikuni, CEO of Kenya Airways, was reported to have said: “With the increased passenger and cargo capacity that the Boeing B777-300ER offers, we are pleased with this development, as it will see Kenya Airways significantly increase tonnage and passenger capacity while enhancing our premium service offering to Europe and the Far East. This also speaks to Kenya Airways’ efforts of flying a more efficient and environmentally friendly fleet.”

The 12-year lease will further cement a long-standing relationship between KQ and GECAS, which already has 3 B767-300ERs placed with “The Pride of Africa.” Both aircraft will be configured in Kenya Airways’ two-class layout, with state-of-the-art flat bed seats in Business and enhanced seating comfort in Economy, carrying about 400 passengers overall.

This latest development will allow KQ to keep pace with neighbors Ethiopian Airlines, which is equally vying for continental aviation supremacy. Notably will the two rival alliances, global leader Star Alliance – ET is an applicant member due to join soon – and SkyTeam to which Kenya Airways belongs, be able to offer their passengers an unrivaled reach into Africa via the main hubs in Nairobi and Addis Ababa, giving them the widest possible coverage across the continent and way ahead of third rival OneWorld, which has been struggling to connect Africa in the absence of a key partner on the continent.