Inside Kenya Airways' New 170-Seater Aircraft [PHOTOS]
The aircraft was welcomed with a water salute at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, with fortunate passengers getting a feel of the aircraft as it departed for Mombasa
Marvin Chege ![Inside Kenya Airways' New 170-Seater Aircraft [PHOTOS]](https://viraltea.co.ke/uploads/images/202502/image_870x_67b5e32221301.jpg)
Kenya Airways (KQ) has expanded its fleet with the addition of a Boeing 737-800 with a capacity of 170 seats, growing its fleet to 35 aircraft.
The aircraft was welcomed with a water salute at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, with fortunate passengers getting a feel of the aircraft as it departed for Mombasa on Wednesday, February 19, following an opening ceremony attended by the airline's top leadership and some from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA).
“Today, we welcome a Boeing 737-800, adding more capacity and flexibility to our network. This expansion is part of our continued commitment to providing you with seamless travel experiences across Africa and beyond,” said KQ on its social media handles.
This addition is part of KQ's ongoing fleet expansion strategy, which underscores the airline's commitment to increasing capacity, enhancing operational efficiency, and meeting the growing demand for air travel across its network.
According to the airline in a press release sent to newsrooms, the acquisition of the aircraft from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) will immediately boost KQ's available seat inventory, thus offering guests more travel options and flexibility.
Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka (right) flags off the airline's new Boeing 737-800 on February 19, 2025. /MARVIN CHEGE.VIRAL TEA KE
Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Airways Group Managing Director & CEO, said that adding the aircraft is a testament to KQ's proactive approach to securing resources that align with its long-term growth objectives and its commitment to its turnaround strategy, Project Kifaru 2.
"The addition of this B737-800 marks a pivotal moment in our fleet expansion journey. It will increase our seat capacity and is a demonstration of our ability to adapt and grow in a challenging operating environment, even as the global aviation industry faces challenges in aircraft availability," he remarked.
"These efforts are part of Kenya Airways' broader strategy to enhance its network, improve connectivity, and deliver exceptional service to its guests."
Viral Tea has learnt that this aircraft is the Boeing 737-800 Next Generation (NG) which is a narrow-body, short to medium-haul commercial aircraft developed by Boeing, an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells aeroplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, satellites, and missiles worldwide.
Boeing 737-800 NG Features
This particular aircraft belongs to the Boeing 737 Next Generation (737NG) family, which includes several variants known for their improved efficiency, enhanced performance, and updated technology. The family includes variants such as the 737-600, 737-700, and 737-900 models.
The 737-800 was developed as a stretched successor to the 737-400 and has become one of the most widely used commercial aircraft in the world. Compared to the 737 Classic, it has a redesigned wing with a larger area, a wider wingspan, greater fuel capacity, higher maximum takeoff weights (MTOW) and longer range.
The wing design is improved over older 737 models, featuring blended winglets (optional but common). Among the benefits the winglet has include reduced drag, improved fuel efficiency (4 to 7 percent) and a wingspan of 35.8 meters with winglets.
Engine & Avionics
Its CFM56-7B engines from CFM International provide between 20,000 to 27,300 pounds (9,071.8 to 12,383 kg) of thrust. Further, its fuel efficiency improvements reduce operational costs compared to older models, making it a favourite for airlines including KQ.
The 737-800 is also capable of ETOPS (Extended Twin-Engine Operations), allowing it to fly transoceanic routes with regulatory approval. For pilots, the cockpit is equipped with Honeywell avionics and a glass cockpit featuring six large LCD screens.
Boeing's Common Display System (CDS) allows pilots to transition easily between different 737 NG models while Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) and Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) improve safety. Fly-by-wire spoilers enhance control.
Cabin
The 737-800 seats 162 passengers in a two-class layout or 189 passengers in a one-class layout. The 737-800 was launched on September 5, 1994, with Hapag-Lloyd Flug (now TUI fly Deutschland) receiving the first one in April 1998. According to KQ's website:
- Seating: The 737-800 offers modern and comfortable seating options for both first-class and economy-class passengers. The seats are designed with ergonomic considerations to enhance passenger comfort during the flight.
- Entertainment: Depending on the airline's configuration, the 737-800 may feature in-flight entertainment systems. These can include overhead monitors or personal seatback screens, offering a range of entertainment options such as movies, TV shows, and games.
- Lighting: The cabin lighting is adjustable to create different moods and enhance the passenger experience during different phases of the flight, such as take-off, cruising, and landing.
Cabin crew inside the Economy class of Kenya Airways' new Boeing 737-800. /KENYA AIRWAYS
- Cabin Noise: The 737-800 incorporates sound-absorbing materials and advanced engineering techniques to reduce cabin noise levels, providing a quieter and more comfortable environment for passengers.
- Galleys and Lavatories: The cabin is equipped with galleys to prepare and serve meals, and lavatories to cater to passengers' restroom needs. The layout and positioning of these facilities can vary depending on the airline's configuration.
- Seating Comfort: The Boeing 737-800 aims to provide a comfortable flying experience for passengers. Seats typically include adjustable headrests and legroom that vary based on the airline's configuration.
Additionally, overhead bins are larger than previous models to accommodate more carry-on baggage.
Inside the Business class of Kenya Airways' new Boeing 737-800. /KENYA AIRWAYS
Performance
The 737-800 can fly at a cruising altitude of 35,000 to 41,000 feet and reach a maximum speed of Mach 0.82 (876 km/h), utilising a fuel capacity of 26,025 litres.
It has a standard range of 2,935 nautical miles (5,436 km) and 3,700 nm (6,850 km) with auxiliary tanks, making it capable of trips from Nairobi to nearly every African destination on KQ's network, as well as the Dubai and Mumbai flights. Also included is a MTOW of 2,600 meters and a landing distance of 1,800 meters.
The Boeing 737-800 NG has been a workhorse of the aviation industry since its introduction. It remains highly reliable, cost-effective, and versatile, making it a top choice for airlines worldwide.
The additional aircraft comes at a critical time when Kenya Airways is actively pursuing opportunities to expand its fleet through strategic partnerships with leading aircraft manufacturers and lessors. The airline is engaged in advanced discussions to secure additional aircraft, focusing on narrow and wide-body models offering increased seat capacity and operational efficiency.
"We are committed to building a robust and modern fleet that supports our vision for growth," added Kilavuka.
"The acquisition of the B737-800 aircraft from DAE is a great milestone in our long-term partnership and solidifies our relationship as we work together in the future. It is also a clear signal to the aviation industry that Kenya Airways is a reliable and forward-thinking partner. We invite other partners to join us on this journey as we expand our operations and strengthen our position in the global aviation market."
KQ's proactive approach to fleet expansion and its ability to secure timely resources highlight the airline's resilience and commitment to growth. The airline remains confident in attracting partnerships with global aviation lessors, leveraging its strong market position and reputation as a leading African carrier.
