Kenya Airways has confirmed it will not cancel its order for 10 Boeing 737-800 Max aircraft despite global safety concerns following two fatal crashes involving the model. The decision comes as other airlines worldwide have revoked similar contracts with Boeing.
The airline's chairman, Michael Joseph, stated the carrier remains committed to the deal, citing operational advantages for training and maintenance. Kenya Airways had initially ordered the jets as part of a fleet modernization plan, with the acquisition expected to cost KSh 120 billion (US$1.2 billion).
"The only option we have planned for is the Boeing 737-800 Max. This will make it easier for us to conduct training and maintenance of the aircraft," Joseph said in an interview.
The decision contrasts with actions by airlines like Garuda Indonesia, which canceled a KSh 600 billion (US$6 billion) order for 49 Boeing 737 Max 8 jets after passenger confidence declined. Over 150 countries and airlines have grounded the 737 Max model since the 2018 Lion Air crash (189 fatalities) and 2019 Ethiopian Airlines disaster (157 fatalities).
Kenya's transport chief, James Macharia, clarified no local airline operates the 737 Max 8 model, noting the nation's carriers currently use other Boeing aircraft variants. Kenya Airways' fleet includes 44 planes, none of which are the 737 Max 8.
"We wish to state that no Kenya air operator has in their fleet the affected aircraft type," Macharia said.
Boeing faces ongoing scrutiny over a software issue linked to both crashes. The company has been working to address safety concerns while Kenya Airways awaits resolution before finalizing its order.
Source: Tuko.co.ke
