This archive report was first published on 12 September 2019.
On September 12, 2019, a picture of a Kenya Airways plane with what appeared to be duct tape holding it together sparked concerns among the online community.
However, the national carrier has since explained that the tape is actually high-speed tape, a type of aluminium pressure-sensitive tape used for minor repairs on aircraft and racing cars.
According to Kenya Airways, the tape is used as a temporary repair material until a more permanent fix can be carried out.
"It has an appearance similar to duct tape, for which it is sometimes mistaken, but its adhesive is capable of sticking on an airplane fuselage or wing at high speeds, hence the name," the airline tweeted.
Kenya Airways assured passengers that the safety of their passengers is their top priority.
Experts have confirmed that high-speed tape is extremely safe when used properly, but airlines must adhere to guidelines when using it to avoid regulatory issues.
