All is not well at Kenya Airways. Over the past couple of months, the national carrier has seen an increase in flight delays and inconveniences. These have been blamed on a variety of factors, amongst them aircraft maintenance issues.

As the national carrier struggles to get back on its feet again, it finds itself facing a huge problem that other carriers do not face: pilots! According to respected Kenyan hotelier and tourism expert Mohammed Hersi, Kenya Airways pilots are not just a big problem, but can easily be termed as KQ’s biggest problem.

Mr. Hersi notes that despite all the other highlighted causes of cancellations and delays, the actual problem is pilots. “We have a bigger problem of artificial shortage of pilots mainly due to a lopsided CBA. The delays by KQ have everything to do with pilots,” he stated. 

Mr. Hersi, in an analysis on his social channels, listed the reasons why he is convinced that Kenya Airways pilots are a major problem bedeviling the carrier as follows:

1). I am reliably informed that Kenya Airways pilots currently log between 60-65 flight hours per month. Comparatively, pilots working for international airlines like Ethiopian Airlines and Emirates average around 72-75 flight hours per month.

2). Aviation Regulations and Constraints: Regulatory bodies, such as the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), establish guidelines to ensure safe and legal airline operations under the umbrella of the ICAO framework. These regulations permit pilots and cabin crew to fly up to a maximum of 14 hours (sometimes 15 hours under specific circumstances), while pilots’ union limits their duty time to 12 hours.

However, KQ faces constraints due to the continuing 12 flight hours.  A good example is that a  round-trip flight to Dubai takes approximately 13 hours, including ground time. (Not achievable as round trip).

Kenya Airways pilots must rest in Dubai for about 48 hours before returning to Nairobi. Additionally, they require post-flight rest upon arrival of  not less than 24 hours. Consequently, KQ pilots achieve a total rest of approximately 72 hours for a 10.5-hour flying time (excluding ground time).

3). Productivity Comparison: The rest requirements for Kenya Airways pilots result in less productivity compared to other airlines. For instance: Emirates flight EK719 to Nairobi operates as a round trip without crew rest. Emirates flight EK721 departs at 15:55, returns at night, and provides only 24 hours of rest (due to night operations) and 12 hours post flight once they arrive back to Dubai so the total rest is 36 hours. KQ pilots, however, enjoy 72 hours of rest for a similar flight duration.

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4). Financial Implications:  The too conservative approach to comply with union requirements leads to operational deficits and higher costs (hotels, transportation, pilot availability etc.).

As part of exploring options to optimize operations KQ needs to get a way from those constraining 12 hours and long Post flight rest hours etc. eg. allowing up to 14 or 15 hours or international standards as is could significantly enhance efficiency and profitability. Above is only one example of many non productive flights such as Lagos, Bombay etc.  and all those flights ranging between 12 to 14:30 hours.

5). Crew Rest and Sick Leave Abuse: There have been concerns about pilots abusing sick leave right before flights, leaving passengers stranded. A month ago 1 called in sick last minute while 2 claimed they  misplaced their passports. The union’s allowance of 48 hours of sick leave without certificates or medical checks raises questions about pilots’ fitness to operate. Kenya Civil Aviation has to step forward to review, verify and suspend (when needed) pilots’ medical certificates to ensure passenger safety.

6). Pilot Artificial Shortage and Rest Constraints: Kenya Airways (KQ) currently employs approximately 400 pilots to fly 34 aircrafts. Regulations permit these pilots to fly up to 105 hours per month, but they typically achieve only 60-65 hours due to rest constraints.

The excessive rest requirements (both in Nairobi and away) and lower productivity directly contribute to an artificial shortage. One more thing, KQ cannot hire a foreign pilot without the approval from the same union. Now you tell me how on earth will you run a successful airline?!

This is one swamp that needs to be drained like yesterday. You need the grit of Lee Kuan Yew and none other than H.E The President to bring things back to order besides tax payers money is used to cushion KQ year in year out. This lopsided CBA should be renegotiated in line with global best practice.”