NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 25 – Kenya Airways (KQ) has returned the second of three narrow-body Embraer aircraft to scheduled commercial service, completing a key phase of technical maintenance in time to meet peak festive season demand.
The phased restoration, supported by a strategic partnership with the State Department for Aviation to streamline spare-parts logistics, is aimed at stabilising flight schedules, restoring passenger confidence and improving operational reliability across the regional network.
Speaking at a flag-off event at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Acting Group Managing Director and CEO Captain George Kamal said the move marked a critical operational milestone.
“With the first aircraft released on December 18 and the final one expected back in service before year-end, we are building the consistency needed to enter the new year as a stronger and more reliable carrier,” he said.
The return follows close collaboration between the airline and government stakeholders, with the focus placed on operational enablement rather than direct financial support. Efforts have centred on removing logistical bottlenecks and ensuring smoother access to maintenance inputs to improve fleet availability.
Principal Secretary for the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Teresia Mbaika, said the development sends a positive signal for the aviation sector.
“The phased return of aircraft reflects effective coordination and a commitment to creating a predictable operating environment that allows our national carrier to perform sustainably,” she said.
