Easing traffic in Dubai: 57 road projects underway to reduce travel time

Dubai: Dubai is pressing ahead with a massive overhaul of its road network as part of efforts to ease traffic congestion and improve daily commutes for residents.

Under the supervision of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has rolled out 57 road infrastructure projects to be completed by 2027.

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The developments include 226 kilometers of new roads and 115 bridges and tunnels, aimed at preparing the city to support a growing population expected to reach 8 million by 2040.

These upgrades target Dubai’s busiest traffic corridors, with some projects slashing commute times by more than 75%.

Sheikh Hamdan recently reviewed the progress of strategic road infrastructure projects focused on improving traffic flow and preparing the city for a projected population of 8 million by 2040. These developments are part of an integrated Master Plan to upgrade 11 primary road corridors, designed to enhance connectivity and reduce congestion across key areas in the emirate.

Key road corridor upgrades

Umm Suqeim—Al Qudra Corridor

One of the flagship projects, the upgrade of the 16-kilometre Umm Suqeim—Al Qudra Corridor, includes 7,000 metres of bridges and tunnels and is expected to reduce travel time from 46 minutes to 11 minutes. The project serves over 1 million residents and is being delivered in three phases, with the first already 50% complete.

Hessa street upgrade

The Hessa Street expansion features 9,000 metres of bridges over four intersections. Once completed, it will double road capacity from 4,000 to 8,000 vehicles per hour and cut travel time from 30 minutes to 7 minutes, easing travel for around 640,000 residents. The project also includes a 13.5-km cycling and e-scooter track with landmark bridges over Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road.

Al Fay Road Corridor

This key arterial route is being extended to boost capacity for an additional 64,400 vehicles per hour. The project involves 12,900 metres of roads and 13,500 metres of bridges across five upgraded intersections, directly benefiting approximately 600,000 residents.

Rapid traffic relief on Sheikh Zayed Road

Between January and April 2025, Dubai implemented seven quick-win traffic initiatives on Sheikh Zayed Road, which collectively reduced congestion by 5—10%. Key measures included a dynamic tolling system, resulting in a 9% drop in traffic volume and a 4% rise in public transport use. Parking reforms also helped ease congestion and encouraged more commuters to shift to sustainable transport.

Smart technologies speed up projects delivery

Dubai is leveraging AI-powered monitoring systems, drones, and time-lapse imaging to accelerate road construction and improve project oversight. These tools have doubled on-site supervision, reduced survey times by 60%, and cut delays by 20% through early detection of issues.

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Cycling infrastructure expansion

Complementing road upgrades, Dubai has completed 557km of cycling tracks, with 100km under construction and 185km in the pipeline. In 2024 alone, the city recorded 47 million cycling trips, underscoring the growing shift toward active and sustainable mobility.

These infrastructure upgrades reflect Dubai’s long-term mobility vision under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to ensure smooth traffic flow, reduced commute times, and enhanced connectivity across the emirate laying the groundwork for a future-ready, sustainable transport network.

Source: Gulf News

Kenya Airways Joins Forces with IATA to Pilot the New Integrated Sustainability Program (ISP)

Kenya Airways is proud to announce its strategic partnership with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in piloting the new Integrated Sustainability Program (ISP)—a bold new initiative designed to drive meaningful sustainability progress across the aviation industry. 

Alongside serving as the host airline for the 37th IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) in Nairobi, Kenya Airways has worked to enhance its commitment to sustainability by actively contributing to the development and testing of the ISP. Over the past week, Kenya Airways has worked closely with IATA to provide critical insights, operational context, and feedback to help ensure that the ISP is practical, impactful, and tailored to the real-world challenges and opportunities facing airlines today. 

The ISP introduces three new programs that address the most pressing aviation sustainability priorities: 

  • Sustainable Procurement: Supporting responsible sourcing strategies that consider environmental and social impacts across the supply chain. 
  • Social Responsibility: Enhancing human rights, labour conditions, community engagement and talent development practices. 
  • Sustainability Performance Monitoring: Empowering organizations to measure, track, and improve sustainability performance through data-driven approaches. 

By piloting ISP, Kenya Airways continues to demonstrate its leadership by embedding Program Standards into its operational practices. The airline is now progressing toward full ISP Certification, underscoring its long-term commitment to sustainable aviation. 

Speaking on this notable milestone, Kenya Airways Group MD & CEO, Allan Kilavuka, stated, “By partnering with IATA to pilot the Integrated Sustainability Program ISP, we are taking deliberate steps to strengthen our operational resilience while contributing to broader industry transformation. This collaboration offers a valuable opportunity to test what works, learn, and refine our approach. We are optimistic that this will pave the way for scalable, real-world solutions that support our social, environmental and economic goals.”  

IATA’s Senior Vice President, Sustainability and Chief Economist, Marie Owens Thomsen, also noted, “Kenya Airways has demonstrated remarkable leadership in piloting the IATA Integrated Sustainability Program, setting a shining example for the aviation industry in Africa. Their dedication to integrating robust sustainability practices, encompassing both environmental and social responsibilities, is truly commendable and paves the way for a more sustainable future for African aviation. 

The Integrated Sustainability Program provides a practical, actionable framework for airlines, airports, and ground service providers to enhance their sustainability maturity. It enables organizations to identify risks, seize improvement opportunities, and benchmark progress across global best practices. 

The formal launch of the ISP is scheduled to take place at the IATA World Sustainability Symposium (WSS) in October 2025 in Hong Kong, where the full program will be unveiled to the global aviation community. 

Kenya Airways’ participation in this pilot reinforces its commitment to operational excellence, environmental stewardship, and social impact. As one of Africa’s leading airlines, Kenya Airways continues to play a vital role in driving transformation and setting a high standard for sustainability across the region and beyond. 

Gulf Air Launches Direct Flights from Bahrain to Nairobi

Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national carrier, has resumed flights to Nairobi after a 13-year pause, with the first flight landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) today.

The route operates five weekly flights, scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, Sundays, and two flights on Fridays, ensuring flexibility for the passengers.

This frequency is designed to cater to both leisure and business travellers, with the potential for competitive fares and increased travel options.

This development is part of Gulf Air’s 2025 expansion strategy, which also includes new routes to Europe. It is expected to strengthen economic and cultural ties between Kenya and Bahrain, potentially increasing tourism and trade.

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The Airbus A320neo aircraft will be used for these flights, thanks to their efficiency and modern amenities which will be appealing to a broad range of passengers.

Gulf Air Historical Context and Resumption

The airline previously served Nairobi until November 2012, which included announcements of flight suspensions and promotions for the route.

The resumption after 13 years reflects a strategic decision to re-enter the East African market, driven by growing demand for travel links between South Asia, East Africa, and the Gulf.

This matches with recent developments, such as IndiGo Airlines launching flights from India to Bahrain starting June 15, 2025, indicating a regional trend of increased connectivity.

Nairobi, as a key hub in East Africa, benefits from enhanced access to the Gulf region, which could attract more visitors to explore Kenya’s safari adventures and cultural experiences.

Business travellers are also likely to benefit, with improved connectivity potentially facilitating trade and investment opportunities.

As the service progresses, further details on schedules and fares are expected to emerge, providing more clarity for passengers planning their journeys.

“Today, we proudly receive the Gulf Air inaugural flight to JKIA, marking a new chapter in connectivity between Nairobi and Bahrain. Here’s to new journeys, more choices, and exciting opportunities for business and leisure. Karibu Nairobi, Gulf Air!” Kenya Airports Authority posted on their official X account.

If demand grows, Gulf Air might increase the frequency of flights to Nairobi, potentially moving to daily services. This would depend on passenger numbers and market response in the coming months.

Gulf Air has already promoted Nairobi as a safari destination, and further marketing efforts could target specific traveler segments, such as luxury tourists or business professionals attending regional conferences.

Source: The Kenya Times

SAF mandates are backfiring, warns IATA

IATA says it expects Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production to reach two million tonnes (2,5 billion litres) or 0,7% of airlines’ total fuel consumption in 2025. 

However, it has warned that government policies and compliance fees are currently increasing the cost of SAF, especially in Europe.

IATA DG, Willie Walsh, said while it was encouraging that SAF production was expected to double to two million tonnes this year, it would add US$4,4 billion (R78,8bn) globally to the fuel bill.

“The pace of progress in ramping up production and gaining efficiencies to reduce costs must accelerate,” said Walsh. 

The problem of mandates

Most SAF is now heading toward Europe, where the EU and UK mandates kicked in on January 1.

“Unacceptably, the cost of SAF to airlines has now doubled in Europe because of compliance fees that SAF producers or suppliers are charging. For the expected one million tonnes of SAF that will be purchased to meet the European mandates in 2025, the expected cost at current market prices is US$1,2 billion (R21,5bn),” IATA said in a press release.

IATA added that compliance fees were estimated to add an additional US$1,7 billion (R30,5bn) on top of market prices – an amount that could have reduced an additional 3.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions.

“Instead of promoting the use of SAF, Europe’s SAF mandates have made SAF five times more costly than conventional jet fuel,” IATA said.

Walsh said it highlighted the problem with the implementation of mandates before there were sufficient market conditions and before safeguards were in place against unreasonable market practices that raised the cost of decarbonisation.

“Raising the cost of the energy transition that is already estimated to be a staggering US$4,7 trillion (R84,2trn) should not be the aim or the result of decarbonization policies. Europe needs to realise that its approach is not working and find another way,” said Walsh. 

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IATA has urged governments to focus on three areas: 

  • Creating more effective policies: Eliminating the disadvantage that renewable energy producers face compared with big oil is necessary to scale renewable energy production in general and SAF production in particular.
  • Developing a comprehensive approach to energy policy that includes SAF: Firstly, advancing SAF production requires an increase in renewable energy production from which SAF is derived. Secondly, it also requires policies to ensure SAF is allocated an appropriate portion of renewable energy production.
  • Ensuring the success of CORSIA as the sole market-based mechanism to address international aviation’s CO₂ emissions: IATA urges governments to make Eligible Emissions Units (EEUs) available to airlines. To date, Guyana is the only state to have made its carbon credits available for airlines to purchase and claim against its CORSIA obligations.

Source: Travel News

Trump reinstates US travel ban, bars citizens of 7 African countries

US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday banning the citizens of 12 countries, including 7 from Africa, from entering the United States, saying the move was needed to protect against “foreign terrorists” and other security threats.

The directive is part of an immigration crackdown Trump launched this year at the start of his second term, which has also included the deportation to El Salvador of hundreds of Venezuelans suspected of being gang members, as well as efforts to deny enrollment of some foreign students and deport others.

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The countries affected by the latest travel ban are Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Haiti, Iran, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Yemen.

The entry of people from seven other countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela, will be partially restricted.

“We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm,” Trump said in a video posted on X. He said the list could be revised and new countries could be added.

The proclamation is effective on June 9, 2025 at 12:01 am EDT (0401 GMT). Visas issued before that date will not be revoked, the order said.

During his first term in office, Trump announced a ban on travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations, a policy that went through several iterations before it was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.

Former President Joe Biden, a Democrat who succeeded Trump, repealed that ban on nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen in 2021, calling it “a stain on our national conscience.”

Trump said the countries subject to the most severe restrictions were determined to harbor a “large-scale presence of terrorists,” fail to cooperate on visa security and have an inability to verify travelers’ identities, inadequate record-keeping of criminal histories and high rates of visa overstays in the United States.

“We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States,” Trump said.

He cited Sunday’s incident in Boulder, Colorado in which a man tossed a gasoline bomb into a crowd of pro-Israel demonstrators as an example of why the new restrictions are needed.

An Egyptian national, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, has been charged in the attack. Federal officials said Soliman had overstayed his tourist visa and had an expired work permit – although Egypt is not on the list of countries facing travel limits.

BEING IN THE US A ‘BIG RISK’

Somalia immediately pledged to work with the US to address security issues.

“Somalia values its longstanding relationship with the United States and stands ready to engage in dialogue to address the concerns raised,” Dahir Hassan Abdi, the Somali ambassador to the United States, said in a statement.

Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, a close ally of President Nicolas Maduro, responded on Wednesday evening by describing the US government as fascist and warning Venezuelans of being in the US.

“The truth is being in the United States is a big risk for anybody, not just for Venezuelans … They persecute our countrymen, our people for no reason.”

A spokesperson for the Taliban-led Afghan foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Pakistan’s foreign ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment on how it would handle the thousands of Afghans waiting in Islamabad who had been in the pipeline for US resettlement.

Calls early on Thursday to the spokesperson of Myanmar’s military government were not answered.

The travel ban threatens to upend a 31-year-old Myanmar teacher’s plan to join a US State Department exchange program, which was slated to start in September.

“It is not easy to apply nor get accepted as we needed several recommendation letters,” said the teacher, who currently lives in Thailand and asked not to be named because her visa application is still outstanding.

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“In my case, I would get to work at universities that provide digital education,” she said, adding that she had not been updated by the program after Trump’s announcement.

Trump’s presidential campaign focused on a tough border strategy and he previewed his plan in an October 2023 speech, pledging to restrict people from the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and “anywhere else that threatens our security.”

Trump issued an executive order on January 20 requiring intensified security vetting of any foreigners seeking admission to the US to detect national security threats.

The latest travel restrictions were first reported by CBS News.

In March, Reuters reported that the Trump administration was considering travel restrictions on dozens of countries.

Source: NTV Kenya

KATA Joins TRA in Celebrating Coastal Tourism Excellence, Strengthens Uganda Collaboration

On Friday, May 30, 2025, the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) hosted a Gala Dinner and Accreditation Award Ceremony at PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort in Mombasa, honouring top tourism enterprises within Kenya’s Coastal Circuit for their outstanding service, professionalism, and compliance.

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) was represented at the prestigious event by Coast Executive Officer Joan Wande, who joined government officials and industry leaders in recognizing the efforts of accredited tourism operators.

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KATA extended its heartfelt congratulations to all the award recipients and commended TRA for organizing an impactful event that reinforces the importance of quality assurance in tourism.

The association reiterated its commitment to working closely with TRA and other stakeholders to raise service standards, support sustainable tourism, and strengthen Kenya’s competitiveness as a world-class destination.

Earlier the same day in Nairobi, KATA members, including Moses Ochieng of Vista Voyage Travel, paid a courtesy call to Uganda’s High Commissioner to Kenya, H.E. Ambassador Paul Mukumbya.

The visit focused on reviewing progress since last year’s successful Kenya-Uganda Familiarization Trip and exploring further collaboration in regional tourism promotion and training. KATA continues to reaffirm its commitment to cross-border partnerships that elevate professional standards and enhance East Africa’s tourism competitiveness.

Only 2 Weeks to Go: Countdown to KATA’s 2025 AGM & Convention in Mombasa

With just two weeks to go, anticipation is building for the Kenya Association of Travel Agents’ (KATA) 45th Annual Convention, set to take place from June 26 to 28, 2025, at the PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa. This event is one of the most awaited gatherings on Kenya’s travel and tourism calendar, and this year promises to be bigger, bolder, and more impactful than ever.

Register here

Themed “Going Further, Together,” the convention will bring together over 350 delegates from across Kenya and beyond. This marks a notable increase from last year’s attendance and reflects growing confidence in the industry’s future. Attendees will include travel agents, airline representatives, tourism suppliers, government officials, and international stakeholders united by a shared commitment to advancing Kenya’s travel sector.

KATA Chairman Dr. Joseph Kithitu and CEO Nicanor Sabula emphasized the importance of the gathering, noting that the convention serves as a dynamic platform for conversations that shape the future of the travel value chain. Sabula described the event as not only a professional milestone but a celebration of the travel industry’s resilience and potential, with the Kenyan coast as its perfect backdrop.

The event’s program will feature insightful panels, keynote addresses, and targeted networking sessions. Discussions will cover topics such as regional connectivity, sustainable tourism, the digital evolution of travel, and the policy shifts impacting the sector. An exhibition area has also been included this year, offering a stage for travel technology providers and tourism innovators to showcase solutions that are redefining the travel experience.

Adding to the excitement are two signature evening events. On June 27, delegates will gather for the KTB Magical Kenya Dinner, with a dress code inspired by the Kenyan flag. The following night, the Cultural Gala Dinner will spotlight Swahili heritage and traditions, with guests encouraged to wear Swahili Kanga attire in celebration of coastal culture.

Register here

The convention will also highlight KATA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, which have become a powerful example of sustainable tourism in action. Earlier this year, KATA spearheaded a successful mangrove restoration exercise along Tudor Creek in Mikindani, Mombasa, where more than 1,000 mangrove seedlings were planted in partnership with local community members and key tourism stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, KATA CEO Nicanor Sabula stressed the vital connection between tourism and the environment, noting that the health of the environment directly impacts the industry’s growth and sustainability. He reaffirmed KATA’s commitment to environmental conservation, announcing that the association aims to plant over 20,000 mangrove trees in the next two years.

During the upcoming convention, KATA will continue to raise awareness and funds for its CSR programs through raffle ticket sales. These proceeds will go directly toward expanding similar projects and ensuring that travel and tourism growth is anchored in environmental and social responsibility.

As the countdown to June 26 continues, the travel industry is abuzz with anticipation. The KATA Annual Convention is more than an event, it is a movement, a space for inspiration, action, and connection. All eyes now turn to Mombasa, where the future of travel in Kenya will once again take center stage.

For more details on KATA AGM & Convention, visit the KATA website here.

Flightlink Launches Daily Flights Between Arusha and Nairobi to Boost Regional Tourism

Regional safari airline Flightlink has announced the launch of daily flights to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, beginning June 15, 2025. The new route is set to enhance cross-border connectivity between Tanzania and Kenya, providing a seamless travel option for both tourists and business travelers.

The scheduled flights will operate as follows:

  • Nairobi (Wilson) to Arusha – Departure at 08:00, arrival at 09:00
  • Arusha to Nairobi (Wilson) – Departure at 17:00, arrival at 18:00

This strategic move, made in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Tanzania Tourist Board, aims to improve the flow of visitors between Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, two of East Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. Flightlink’s hubs in Arusha and Nairobi will serve as vital gateways for travelers seeking to explore the region’s unmatched wildlife and natural beauty.

The initiative also aligns with the Tanzanian government’s broader tourism agenda, as outlined by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during her Royal Tour campaign. The availability of reliable, daily air travel is expected to boost tourist arrivals and support ongoing efforts to position Tanzania as a top safari destination.

Coinciding with the launch is another milestone: the official opening of Arusha Airport as a regional hub, now equipped with customs and immigration facilities for turboprop aircraft. This upgrade marks a significant advancement in East African regional air travel and promises smoother experiences for cross-border passengers.

“We are excited to launch this new route and contribute to the tourism industry’s growth in Tanzania and Kenya,” said Munawer Dhirani, Managing Director of Flightlink. “Our partnership with the Tanzania Airports Authority and Tanzania Tourist Board underscores our shared commitment to promoting the region’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.”

Passengers can look forward to modern, efficient service aboard Flightlink’s fleet of ATR and Cessna aircraft, supported by high service standards that have become the airline’s hallmark.

Flightlink also extended its appreciation to the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority, Tanzania Airports Authority, the Ministry of Road and Transport, and airport authorities in Kenya for their crucial support in making this regional connection a reality.

For flight schedules, bookings, and more information, visit www.flightlink.co.tz or contact your KATA certified travel agent here.

UAE Eid Al Adha holidays: Dubai travel companies roll out last-minute flight, hotel deals

Dubai: Demand for short-haul trips, among UAE travellers, to nearby beach destinations is soaring ahead of Eid Al Adha. To keep up with the high demand, travel companies are rolling out aggressive last-minute deals to lure travellers.

According to Emirates Group’s dnata Travel – the travel division of the air services company – Eid Al Adha bookings are up 15 per cent compared to last year, reflecting a strong appetite for outbound travel during key public holidays. It added that travel demand during the Eid break is 30 per cent higher than regular periods.

 

Top destinations among UAE travellers this Eid include Turkey, Thailand and Japan, according to Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure at dnata Travel. “Eid continues to be one of the busiest travel periods in the UAE, and this year is no exception. We’re seeing consistent year-on-year growth, driven by travellers who are increasingly strategic about planning their holidays,” said Meerah.

 

Short-haul travel

Meerah also said the most booked destinations include Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and Azerbaijan, all reachable within a four- to six-hour flight from the UAE.

“The data shows a clear preference for short-haul travel during Eid, with most trips averaging around four days,” she said.

“Travellers are being intentional – choosing destinations that offer convenience and value now while planning longer, more in-depth holidays for the summer season from July onward,” Meerah stated.

Some long-haul travel

While short-haul escapes remain the most popular, dnata also said there is strong demand for longer-haul destinations such as Italy, France and Spain in the West, Thailand and Japan in the East.

Trip duration trends show that travellers book around four days for nearby getaways and up to six days for more distant holidays, depending on the destination.

Last-minute deals

dnata Travel said they’ve launched a range of curated Eid holiday packages that combine value and flexibility for families, couples, and solo travellers alike to cater to the high demand. Travellers are encouraged to book early, as limited availability and rising demand are expected to drive bookings over the coming days.

Here are a few deals:

  • Sri Lanka from Dh2,730 per person – return airfare, 3-night stay at Avani Kalutara Resort with daily breakfast
  • Thailand from Dh2,810 per person – return airfare, 3-night stay at Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi with daily breakfast
  • Turkey from Dh2,990 per person – return airfare, 3-night stay at Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus with daily breakfast
  • Maldives from Dh4,090 per person – return airfare, 3-night stay at Kuramathi Maldives with daily breakfast and return speedboat transfers
  • Mauritius from Dh6,270 per person – return airfare, 3-night stay at The Westin Mauritius Turtle Bay Resort and Spa with daily breakfast and dinner

Source : gulfnews.com

Kenya Airways bets on mid-life fleet upgrades, cargo growth

Kenya Airways (KQ, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta) plans to invest in mid-life fleet upgrades and fuel-efficiency retrofits while expanding its cargo operations following a financial turnaround in the 2024 financial year, according to acting chief financial officer Mary Mwenga.

Rather than chase expensive fleet renewals, Kenya Airways is opting for fiscal prudence, she explained in an interview with Nairobi-based business news provider Soko Directory. It will also be looking for more flexible lease terms that align with seasonal demand.

“It’s about matching capacity to market reality,” she said. “We’ve become very deliberate in how we structure our operations – the goal is agility without overexposure.”

According to the ch-aviation Commercial Aviation Aircraft Data module, the operating leases of at least four of Kenya Airways’ fleet of nine leased B737-800s are ending in 2026, three more in 2027, one in 2028, and one in 2030. In its widebody fleet, three of its nine B787-8s are leased, with the contracts of two expiring in 2027.

Currently, four of the airline’s Boeing aircraft remain in maintenance, three B787-8s and one B737. The airline has blamed a shortage of maintenance slots and supply chain shortages affecting the availability of engines and spare parts.

The regional fleet of E190s is being phased out, with nine of the 15 of them AOG at present.

Positive shift

The national carrier posted an after-tax profit of KES5.4 billion shillings (USD41.8 million) in the 2024 fiscal year, reversing a loss of KES22.6 billion (USD175 million) the year before. The profit marks a 124% improvement and signals a shift driven by its multi-year restructuring plan, labelled Project Kifaru.

The airline saw total revenue grow 6% to KES188 billion (USD1.45 billion), driven by a 4% rise in passenger traffic and a 25% jump in cargo tonnage. Mwenga said Kenya Airways aims to capitalise on this cargo momentum, especially in high-margin segments like perishables.

“This wasn’t luck. It was strategy, discipline, and execution,” she commented. “Project Kifaru has guided us through cost discipline, smarter route planning, digitisation, and operational sustainability. FY24 is the first real glimpse of its impact.”

She said that operational efficiencies, digital transformations, and strategic alliances – particularly with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines – have underpinned the turnaround. Maintenance and catering costs declined as the airline embraced strategic outsourcing and artificial intelligence-powered systems.

Kenya Airways has also strengthened its balance sheet by reducing debt, improving its debt-to-equity ratio through positive cash flow and renegotiating foreign debt terms. Revenue growth in cargo and pro-active forex and fuel hedging have helped mitigate currency risks and stabilise cash flow. “This year, our fuel hedging strategies saved us millions, and our working capital management ensured we didn’t need to go hunting for liquidity,” she disclosed.

Looking forward, she said that Kenya Airways plans to deepen its cargo strategy, expand AI-driven route planning, and pursue flexible leasing arrangements tailored to seasonal demand.

Source : ch-aviation.com