Transport Secretary James Macharia clarified Kenya Airways' fleet details and financial obligations on March 4, 2019, addressing claims about the airline's aircraft count and debt status.
The national carrier operates 20 aircraft, with 17 still under loan repayments from foreign financial institutions. Three planes have been fully settled, while 20 additional aircraft are leased from other aviation companies, expanding the total fleet to 40.
To reduce maintenance expenses amid declining demand, Kenya Airways leased four high-capacity planes. Three Boeing 777-300ER aircraft were leased to Turkish Airlines, and one Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was leased to Oman Air, generating rental income.
Loan structures include seven aircraft—six Boeing 787-8s and one Boeing 777-300—financed through the Tsavo Ltd Structure by City Bank, Jp Morgan Chase, and Afrexim Bank. The remaining 10 Embraer 190 planes were funded via the Samburu Ltd Loan structure involving Standard Chartered Bank and Afrexim Bank, though specific financial terms remain undisclosed.
The airline is pursuing a merger with the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to address financial challenges and achieve profitability, as reported in 2019.
