Kenya Airways Resumes Embraer Fleet Operations to Enhance Reliability During the Festive Season

Kenya Airways (KQ) has officially returned the second of three narrow-body Embraer aircraft to scheduled commercial service today, completing a critical technical maintenance phase just in time to meet peak festive season demand.

Through a strategic partnership with the State Department for Aviation to streamline spare part logistics, the airline is executing this phased fleet restoration to stabilize its flight schedule, restore passenger confidence, and reinforce its operational reliability across the regional network.

Speaking during the flag-off event at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Captain George Kamal, Acting Group Managing Director & CEO of Kenya Airways, stated that, “Today’s flag-off marks an important operational milestone.” “With the first aircraft released on December 18 and the final one scheduled to return before the year’s end, we are building the momentum and consistency necessary to enter the new year as a stronger, more reliable carrier.”

The return of the aircraft follows a period of close collaboration between the airline and government stakeholders. Rather than direct financial intervention, the focus has been on operational enablement, removing logistical bottlenecks and ensuring smoother access to the maintenance inputs required for fleet availability.

Ms. Teresia Mbaika, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Aviation & Aerospace Development, highlighted the strategic importance of this milestone stating, “The phased return of aircraft is a positive signal for Kenya’s aviation sector. Government engagement remains focused on strategic enablement and regulatory coordination to ensure a predictable operating environment where our national carrier can perform sustainably.”

With increased fleet availability, Kenya Airways is now better positioned to support regional trade, tourism, and passenger travel during one of the busiest periods of the year.

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