This archive report was first published on 28 July 2019.
Junk Aircraft on Auction at Wilson Airport in Nairobi ¶
On July 23, Galaxy Auctioneers advertised 12 junk aircraft on auction at Wilson Airport, sparking interest among Kenyans. The auction viewing period, which began on July 23 and ends on August 8, has seen a trickle of potential buyers visiting the airport to inspect the planes.
Anthony Mutugi, proprietor of Toto Bouncing Castles, and his team, including Judy Njenga and Alfred Njema, visited the airport on the first day of viewing. Mutugi plans to bid for two aircraft shells to be re-fitted and added to his children's play facility in Thika.
Alfred Njema, a seasoned aeronautical engineer, is also interested in purchasing the planes for spare parts or to revive them for operation. He notes that reviving the planes would be an uphill task due to the removal of vital components.
The auction day is scheduled for August 9, and the 13-day viewing window ends on August 8. The planes, with reserve prices ranging from Sh120,100 to Sh10 million, are being disposed of by the Kenya Airports Authority.
Some Kenyans on social media have suggested converting the planes into restaurants, which Njema considers a 'brilliant idea.'
