This archive report was first published on 14 September 2019.
On September 14, 2019, a photo of a Kenya Airways plane with what looked like sellotape sparked widespread concern among Kenyan online users.
The image, which quickly went viral, prompted the airline to issue a statement explaining the situation.
According to Kenya Airways, the material in question is not sellotape, but rather a special aluminium tape used for minor repairs on aircraft and racing cars.
"The tape on the plane as depicted in the pictures – is professionally known as high-speed tape, an aluminium pressure-sensitive tape used to do minor repairs on aircraft and racing cars," the airline explained.
Kenya Airways clarified that the tape is used for temporary repairs until a more permanent fix can be made.
"It is used as a temporary repair material until a more permanent repair can be carried out," the airline stated.
The carrier assured its customers that its planes are safe and that there was no reason for alarm, emphasizing that the safety of its passengers is its top priority.
