Kenya Airways to add Boeing 787 Dreamliners

Kenya Airways is planning to replace its current 767s with the Boeing's new Dreamliners beginning with the delivery of two airplanes in 2010, and four in 2011.

"The 787 Dreamliner fits perfectly into our fleet strategy and offers Kenya Airways the opportunity to reach out across the globe in welcoming people to experience the wide open spaces and friendly charm found here in Africa," said Titus Naikuni, CEO of Kenya Airways.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has had the most successful program launch in Boeing's history, with the airplane first scheduled to enter commercial service in 2008. Kenya Airways becomes the 28th customer committed to the 787 Dreamliner. Boeing currently has 385 total orders and commitments worldwide.

The 787 is a family of airplanes carrying 200 to 300 passengers on routes between 3,500 and 8,500 nautical miles (6,500 to 16,000 kilometers). The Dreamliner will use 20 percent less fuel than today's airplanes of comparable size and will provide operators with up to 45 percent more cargo revenue capacity. Passengers will be able to enjoy an innovative new interior environment with higher humidity, wider seats and aisles, and larger windows, greatly improving the overall flying experience.

Kenya Airways serves more than 2 million passengers annually and has the largest network into Africa. The carrier is going through an aggressive expansion program and it has added destinations which include Bamako, Dakar, Maputo, Istanbul and Guangzhou in China. The airline plans to soon launch service to Paris, Asmara and Sierra Leone. This complements 17 weekly flights to London and Amsterdam and regular schedules to select destinations in Asia, including Dubai, Mumbai, Hong Kong and Bangkok.

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