Kenya Airways is planning to acquire new planes in a new strategy that will increase the number of its operational fleet. This is according to the Kenya Airways chief executive officer Allan Kilavuka.

According to Kilavuka, the national carrier will expand its current fleet from 42 to 55 over the next five years. “We plan to increase the number of our aircraft to 55 fleets in the next 5 years from the current fleet that we have of 42 aircraft,” he said.

The announcement by the national airline’s boss comes a few months after KQ acquired a Boeing 737-800 Freighter. The cargo plane was acquired in April 2024.

“We have made a commitment to gradually increase our cargo business and support our customers in their long-term needs and deliver possibilities in the air. The arrival of the new B738 Freighter, the second one this year, and the fourth in our cargo fleet, is a significant milestone in KQ Cargo’s fleet expansion plans,” said Kilavuka.

At the same time, Kilavuka revealed that the national carrier will expand its destinations from the current 48 to 60 over the five year period in a move that is expected to spur revenue growth and enhance profitability.

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For the first half of the financial year ending June 30, 2024, Kenya Airways achieved a profit after tax of Sh. 513 million, from the Sh. 21.7 billion loss reported in the similar previous period.

The airline attributed the net profit to its strategic turnaround plan, Project Kifaru, which emphasizes customer obsession, operational excellence, financial discipline, innovation, and sustainability.

“The impressive performance reaffirms the operational viability of our business and underscores the effectiveness of the collective efforts by our board, management, and staff,” said Kenya Airways Chairman, Michael Joseph.

He added: “This achievement underscores the strength and resilience of Kenya Airways as we move forward on our path to sustained profitability.”

Kenya Airways experienced a 10 per cent increase in passenger numbers, totaling 2.54 million. total revenue grew by 22 per cent to Sh. 91 billion, driven by higher passenger numbers.