Kenya Airways is enhancing its cargo capacity by introducing its inaugural Boeing 737-800 Freighter in response to the increasing demand for cargo services in the region.
This move comes at a time when the airline is addressing the rising need for cargo transportation, even amid a decline in cargo volumes across Africa in August, according to data from IATA.
The newly acquired aircraft is slated to operate on various routes spanning Africa, India, and the United Arab Emirates.
This marks the third addition of a 737 freighter to the airline’s fleet, with plans for a fourth delivery in the upcoming year.
Boasting a cargo capacity of 20 tonnes and an impressive range of up to seven hours, the newly acquired aircraft by Kenya Airways is set to fortify its cargo operations.
The airline currently operates two freighters and had previously announced plans to acquire the Boeing 777 for its cargo services.
The carrier announced previously that it wants to enhance its cargo operations to 20 percent of its business to bolster the recovery process in the wake of diminishing demand for passenger travel.
At the moment, cargo contributes a paltry 10 percent of the airline’s income with passengers contributing the remaining 90 percent.
Cargo remains the most promising business for airlines across the after the resumption of passenger services that had been halted by Covid-19 in 2020.
In the wake of Covid, the carrier was forced to utilise some of its large capacity Boeing 787 aircraft for ferrying cargo to Europe, Asia and the Middle-East as the two freighters that KQ owns are not meant for long-haul trips. It converted them into a preighter.
KQ Cargo has outlined its intention to further augment its capabilities by introducing another Boeing 737-800F to its fleet, with the anticipated delivery scheduled for February 2024.
Presently, the airline operates two 737-300Fs, signifying a substantial expansion in its existing cargo capacity over the upcoming months.
gandae@businessdayafrica.org