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KQ lands another Embraer E190 jet

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 12 – National carrier Kenya Airways has taken delivery of a new Embraer E190 jet which is part of 10 planes to be delivered under a deal with leasing company Jetscape.

The 96-seater aircraft touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Sunday night from Brazil and is expected into service within the next two weeks.

“With our route network expansion firmly on course, the addition of a new aircraft into the fleet is quite timely,” said the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Titus Naikuni.

The plane was part of five E190 and five E170 jets that were to be delivered in a deal signed between the carrier and Jetscape, the Embraer leasing company in July last year.

Already, the five E170s have been delivered, while two more E190s are to arrive in November this year and early next year respectively.

“The third Embraer E190 arrival is in fulfilment of an order that the airline placed last year. The first jet was delivered in December 2010 with the second jet joining KQ fleet in June this year. Two more E190 jets are yet to be delivered,” the CEO explained.

On August 30, KQ signed yet another contract with the Embraer jet manufacturer for the purchase of 10 E190 jets, a pact which also includes the purchase rights for 16 aircraft.

The E190s will be configured in a dual-class layout with 96 seats: 12 in business class and 84 in economy. In addition, all passengers will benefit from a modern in-flight entertainment system with individual touch screens.

“It brings to Kenya Airways an even higher level of technological advancement, lower maintenance and operational costs,” Mr Naikuni enthused.

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“The combination of the E170 and E190 in our network will offer greater flexibility in right-sizing the aircraft to meet route demand, using the same crew and ensuring consistent, high comfort for our passengers”, he added.

The planes are expected to boost the national carrier’s plans to fly to all African capital cities by the end of 2013.

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