Kenya Airways takes delivery of its first 787-8

Boeing has delivered Kenya Airways' first 787-8 (35510/157) 5Y-KZA, which departed Everett's Paine Field (PAE/KPAE) yesterday April 4 at 0935 pst bound for Nairobi.

The aircraft is the first of nine 787s that the airline has on order, and will operate on its first revenue flights within Africa in the coming weeks. The carrier will deploy the aircraft to Paris in early June, says Boeing.

"The delivery of our first ever 787 Dreamliner not only opens a new chapter for our airline, but also for Kenya," says Titus Naikuni, Kenya Airways' chief executive. "The 787 will enable Kenya Airways to explore new markets, improve its economic performance, provide passengers with revolutionary comfort, while continuing to contribute towards the sustainable development of Africa."

Boeing

Kenya Airways' 787 deliveries are part of a fleet plan to grow the airline's fleet size to 107 from 44 aircraft by 2021. The airline also plans to expand its network to 115 destinations from 62.

The airline operates an all-Boeing fleet, comprising six 767-300ERs, four 777-200ERs and one 777-300ER. Kenya Airways said in March it will take delivery of six 787s in 2014. A second 777-300ER will be delivered in May.

(Ghim-Lay Yeo - Flightglobal News)