Kenya Airways Explains Resuming London Heathrow Flights Using 787 Aircraft
The airline confirmed in a short statement that it redeployed its flagship aircraft to the 9 hours 20 minutes non-stop flight, inviting passengers to take advantage of the route to meet their travel needs.
Marvin Chege 
Kenya Airways (KQ) announced on Thursday, January 16 that it had resumed operations from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi to Heathrow Airport in London, United Kingdom (UK) using its flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
The airline confirmed in a short statement that it redeployed its flagship aircraft to the 9 hours 20 minutes non-stop flight, inviting passengers to take advantage of the route to meet their travel needs.
"Starting today, 16th January 2025, Kenya Airways is resuming operations on all London Heathrow flights with our flagship Dreamliner B787-800 – a state-of-the-art aircraft that redefines the art of air travel," read the statement in an email seen by Viral Tea.
"Why Fly Kenya Airways? Non-stop service to London Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest airports. Flexible schedules to fit your needs. Trusted safety and award-winning service."
Inside a Kenya Airways 787 aircraft. /LIVE AND LET'S FLY
Our quick checks noticed one thing; the type of aircraft used. Normally, the national flag carrier would make use of its 787 for long-haul routes like London Heathrow, so this notice raised a bit of questions.
Viral Tea reached out to an official at KQ to give clarity on the change of equipment for this route and we learnt that the airline had been using a different aircraft for this route...a normal process.
Additionally, the official clarified that the airline had never suspended flights to the English capital as claimed by some reports. Notably, the airline confirmed receiving a security alert on October 12, 2023, regarding a potential threat on board flight KQ100 operating from Nairobi to London Heathrow. This latest move is in preparation for a busy schedule regarding its flights to the UK with the introduction of flights to Gatwick Airport in the middle of this year.
"We have never suspended flights to London. As a matter of fact, we shall be increasing our frequencies to LHR and Gatwick airport in Summer peak 2025," the official responded.
"The change of equipment is normal and happens now and again depending on various dynamics. The Airbus will be with us for the entire 2025."
Furthermore, the official revealed that the Airbus aircraft has been used in the past for Nairobi-London flights. On December 20, 2023, KQ signed a short-term lease agreement with Hi Fly, one of the world’s leading lease and charter specialist airlines to enhance operational efficiency during the peak festive season.
KQ revealed at the time that the ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) lease saw the immediate introduction of an Airbus A330 into the KQ fleet to support operational efficiency as well as enhance capacity in the market.
"Change of equipment is normal, and yes, we have used the Airbus to London in the past. The choice of aircraft to use on a route is dependent on many operational dynamics," the official added.
Why This Happens
According to The Points Guy, travellers should keep in mind that airlines can and do change the planes operating on specific flights from time to time. The aircraft listed on your original reservation may not be the one you ultimately board and there are no rules or regulations that require an airline to compensate passengers for aircraft changes.
So, if you book a ticket based on a desire to experience a specific aircraft, be prepared for that to change, and certainly don't base your entire trip around it. A quick question for travellers; what would you do if an airline you're travelling with to your destination changes the type of aircraft...when you least expect it?
Either way, why should you look forward to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner?
Features
As per the Kenya Airways website, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is known for its passenger comfort and advanced cabin features. Here are some of the notable cabin features and passenger comfort enhancements one can expect on this aircraft:
- Cabin Pressurization and Humidity: The 787-8 has a lower cabin altitude and higher humidity levels compared to older aircraft. This can help reduce passenger fatigue and discomfort during long flights.
- Quieter Cabin: The engines on the 787-8 are designed to be quieter, resulting in a more peaceful cabin environment with reduced noise levels.
- Enhanced Lighting: The cabin lighting in the 787-8 can be adjusted to simulate different times of day. This can help reduce jet lag and make long flights more comfortable for passengers.
- Spacious Interior: The 787-8's interior design creates a sense of spaciousness, with larger overhead storage bins and a wider cabin.
- Improved Air Quality: The 787-8's advanced air filtration system helps maintain a cleaner cabin environment by removing airborne particles, allergens, and odours.
- Ergonomic Seating: "Kenya Airways is dedicated to ensuring a superior travel experience for its passengers, and this commitment extends to the seating and comfort options available on its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. By carefully considering ergonomic seating and innovative cabin design, Kenya Airways aims to enhance passenger well-being during both short and long-haul flights," KQ explains
KQ Calls Out Fake Pilot
In other news, the airline exposed an individual impersonating a Kenya Airways pilot. The individual had been distributing business cards and falsely claiming to be a Kenya Airways employee.
“Please be aware of a fake captain by the name of James Mwangi, who has been issuing business cards and falsely claiming to be a Kenya Airways employee. This individual is not associated with us. For accurate information about Kenya Airways and our employees, always rely on our official channels and website,” KQ notified in a separate statement.
Kenya Airways further urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to their team via call or WhatsApp at +254741111485.
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