Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/61584
BOEING 787-8 DREAMLINER MAKES MAIDEN LANDING IN NAIROBI National carrier Kenya Airways recently welcomed the ultra-modern Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner to Nairobi as part of the world tour. Kenya Airways have placed a firm order of nine aircrafts with an option of taking fourmore as part of its fleetmodern- ization and route expan- sion strategy. The plane, which is currently on a tour of the world, touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after a flight from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where it had made a similar stopover. Trade Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere ledKenyaAirwaysman- agement, staff and invit- ed guests in welcoming the aircraft, the latest in Boeing range of com- mercial aircraft, at the airport. The aircraft is on a six-month world tour to highlight themany advanced features of the air- plane. KenyaAirways plans to acquiremore 787Dreamliners is as a result of what it predicts will be momentous growth in pas- senger and cargo demand and a rapidly expanding route net- work in the coming years. The 787-8Dreamliner,with a capacity to carry 210-250 pas- sengers,will be used to replace the ageing 767 aircraft as well as open up new long range routes. With growing trade betweenAfrica and the Far East,Asia and the Middle East, the Dreamliner will be a central cog in Kenya Airways' ambitious expansion strategy targeting the Afro-Asian trade corridor. KenyaAirways CEODr.TitusNaikuni said that the acqui- sition of theDreamliner aircraft will help propel the airline in its quest to become the airline of choice connectingAfrica to the rest of the world. "The 787Dreamliner fits well with our expansion strategy, giving us an opportunity to expand our markets beyond the current offeringwhile cementing ourman- date of connectingAfrica to the world and the world toAfrica through our hub at JKIA," saidDr.Naikuni. Trade minister ChirauAliMwakwere said that KQ's deci- sion to acquire the Dreamliner aircraft would enhance trade 64 between Kenya and countries in Asia, North and South America. "This is an investment that will not only enhance Kenya Airways' revenue generating capacity but also facilitate increased trade-related travel and tourism to and for Kenya," the minister said. "We are excited to showcase this game-changing airplane with Kenya Airways and their invited guests," said Van Rex Gallard, vice president, Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Kenya Airways puts their faith in Boeing products day-in-and-day- out as they carry more than 70,000 passengers around the world every week. They do this mostly with Boeing airplanes, which is a testament to the strong partnership we share today and will carry well into the future." Kenya Airways signed a purchase agreement in 2006 for nine Boeing 787 aircraft with an option to purchase 4 additional air- craft. However, there has been delay in delivering the aircraft. In April this year, KQ and Boeing signed a settlement agreement on the delayed delivery of the aircraft. The airline also re-affirmed its intention to exercise the option of purchas- ing four more 787-8 after the initial delivery of the nine aircraft. The airline expects to take delivery of the first Dreamliner air- craft in the last quarter of 2013. The 787 is a family of airplanes carrying between 210 to 290 passengers on routes between 7,650 and 8,500 nautical miles (14,200 to 15,750 kilometers). The Dreamliners will use significantly less fuel than today's airplanes of comparable size and will provide operators with up to 45 percent more cargo revenue capacity. All Nippon Airlines of Japan was the launch customer for the 787 Dreamliner. To finance the acquisition, KQ is planning a rights issue early next year. Shareholders have already approved the rights issue plan. The airline expects to raise Ksh22 billion through the issue. About Kenya Airways:KenyaAirways is the flag carrier of Kenya established in 1977 and headquartered at Jomo Kenyatta InternationalAirport.Part of the SkyTeamAlliance, the airline operates to over 46 scheduled destinations through- outAfrica,Europe, Indian subcontinent andAsia. Black Meetings & Tourism March/April 2012: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com