Kenya Airways (KQ) has unveiled an ambitious expansion strategy that will see the national carrier triple its fleet from the current 32 aircraft to 100 over the next 10 years as it positions itself for higher passenger demand and a wider route network.
KQ revealed the plans during the Kenya Travel Agents Engagement & Awards 2026 held in Nairobi, where it recognized top-performing travel agency partners for their contribution to passenger sales.
According to Kenya Airways, the expansion will be carried out in phases, with the fleet expected to grow to 67 aircraft by 2030 before reaching 100 within the next decade.
Kenya Airways to Increase Number of Planes to 100 in 10 Years
The additional planes are expected to support more routes, increase flight frequencies and strengthen Nairobi’s role as one of Africa’s busiest aviation hubs.
The airline is also targeting a significant increase in passenger numbers, aiming to carry 9 million travelers by 2030, up from the current 5.2 million.
The expansion comes just weeks after Kenya Airways returned its Boeing 777 aircraft to service following a decade-long absence.
“Kenya Airways plans to grow its fleet from a total of 32 aircraft today to 67 by 2030, and 100 by 2035, supported by the increase of the carrier’s passenger numbers projected to reach 9 million by 2030, up from 5.2 million today,” the airline said.
“The expansion follows the return of the airline’s Boeing 777, a 400-seat wide-body, to the fleet on 17 July 2026 after a decade’s absence, with the aircraft now flying between Nairobi and London Heathrow.”
Boeing 777 Return Boosts Kenya Airways’ Expansion Drive
The 400-seat wide-body aircraft resumed operations on July 17 and is currently serving the Nairobi-London Heathrow route, adding much-needed capacity to one of the airline’s busiest international destinations.
It also provides greater cargo space, allowing the airline to transport more freight between Kenya and Europe during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.
The return of the wide-body aircraft follows months of work to restore stability across the airline’s fleet. Kenya Airways has spent the past year addressing maintenance backlogs that had affected several of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners, reducing available capacity and disrupting schedules.
Earlier this year, the airline said global supply chain challenges had temporarily grounded some aircraft, affecting operations and financial performance.
Beyond carrying more passengers, the airline is also positioning itself to grow its cargo business.
Executives have previously indicated that Kenya Airways is evaluating additional freighter aircraft as it seeks a larger share of Africa’s expanding air cargo market.
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Kenya Airways Banks on Travel Agents for Future Growth
Speaking during the awards event, Acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Captain George Kamal said the airline’s future growth will depend on both fleet expansion and strong partnerships with the travel trade.
“As Kenya Airways approaches our 50-year milestone, our future success will continue to be built through strong relationships and shared success with the travel trade. Travel trade partners are our largest distribution channel in Kenya, and we see our growth and yours as one journey,” he said.
He noted that travel agents account for approximately 60 per cent of the airline’s passenger revenue in Kenya, making them its largest distribution channel.
Kenya Airways believes strengthening these partnerships will be critical as it launches new routes and increases capacity over the coming years.
“As Kenya Airways approaches our 50-year milestone, our future success will continue to be built through strong relationships and shared success with the travel trade. “We see our growth and yours as one journey,” he added.
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Kenya Airways Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Julius Thairu said the airline will continue investing in stronger partnerships with travel agents while improving its distribution platforms.
“Our relationship with the travel trade is built on trust, consistency and a shared commitment to growing the market in ways that benefit our customers, our business and the wider economy,” Thairu said.
He added that the airline remains committed to creating commercially meaningful partnerships as it continues rebuilding capacity following heavy scheduled maintenance across its Dreamliner fleet.
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