A February 28 memo from CEO Sebastian Mikosz to employees, obtained by Business Daily, reveals Kenya Airways plans to achieve profitability on its Nairobi-New York route within 12 months despite reduced service frequency. The airline cut weekly flights from seven to five in January 2019, citing lower winter demand.
Mikosz acknowledged the New York route remains unprofitable but projected breakeven by 2020. The statement came as the carrier pursued a broader strategy including a proposed takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to strengthen financial performance.
The memo addressed staff concerns following a November 2018 strike threat from the Kenya Aviation Workers Union over the airport acquisition plan. Mikosz emphasized the project would not affect current employees and would create new jobs, countering claims by Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir that the airline only operated three aircraft.
Kenya Airways maintains a fleet of 40 planes, with 20 owned outright and 17 leased. The airline also seeks to merge with Kenya Airports Authority as part of its recovery efforts, though parliamentary members have criticized the deal as potentially destabilizing the aviation regulator.
