Relief For Passengers After Kenya Airways' Update On Acquiring Spare Parts

National carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced that it has managed to restore some of its aircraft in service following challenges in acquiring spare parts which would have threatened several flight disruptions and cancellations.

In a statement on Friday, December 15, the airline had announced that it managed to acquire a significant number of components which allowed some of its aircraft, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, to return to normal flights.

"Further to our last statement, where we informed you about the improved availability of components, we are delighted to share that we now have a significant number of components. This has enhanced our operational efficiency, allowing the return to service some of our aircraft that had been grounded.

"All our Boeing 787 Dreamliners fleet are now up and flying. Your safety and comfort are our priority, even as we work to resolve these challenges," the statement by Allan Kilavuka, the Group Managing Director and CEO of KQ, read in part.

The airline added that it is continuing to work closely with its partners and suppliers to expedite the timely delivery of components, a matter it says should keep disruptions, if any, down to a minimum.

KQ also revealed that recovery from disruptions across its network is still ongoing, adding that the disruptions had also affected the normal duty roster among its flight-deck crew.

This usually consists of pilots (Captains, First officers), as well as non-flying pilots, like check captains and flight engineers on older aircraft that carry those as well as navigators and communications officers on (mostly air force or extremely old) large aircraft.

"Consequently, our flight-deck crew roster has been impacted. However, a disruption management plan is currently being executed in conjunction with our pilots and pilots' union. We anticipate full recovery during this festive season," assured the airline.

The challenges in spare parts had seen the airline cautioning passengers of potential disruptions that could have stretched for two weeks as a result of the grounding of some of its aircraft, a matter which raised fears among them ahead of the high travel period that coincides with the festive season.

KQ earlier dismissed media reports insinuating that it had been forced to cancel and delay flights due to cabin crew shortage.

The reports had claimed that the airline was desperate for the crews to operate its flights amidst a sharp rise in bookings ahead of the festive season.

In the meantime, the three key means of transport in the country including road and rail are gearing up for an influx of passengers travelling during the festive period.