Kenya Airways Donates 737 Fuselage to Inspire Future Aviators
In a groundbreaking initiative that celebrates both aviation heritage and education, Kenya Airways has donated the fuselage of a retired Boeing 737-700 NG to Mangu High School. The iconic aircraft body, once a proud part of Kenya Airways’ commercial fleet, was transported on Nairobi roads to become a unique learning resource for the centenary celebrations at Mangu High School—a revered institution with a storied legacy in both education and aviation.
On January 12, 2024, the Boeing 737 fuselage departed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and embarked on a 30-mile journey toward Mangu High School. The transport was meticulously planned and executed, with the aircraft being loaded onto a specially designed truck. Authorities and local residents were advised to exercise caution while overtaking the unusually wide load along key routes including the Eastern Bypass and Thika Road. The impressive sight was shared widely online, with photos and live coverage broadcast on local news stations, capturing the attention of the community and aviation enthusiasts across the country.
Mangu High School, known for its strong links to the aviation industry and for inspiring future aviators, now welcomes this unique addition to its educational assets. The school boasts an illustrious history and counts former president Mwai Kibaki among its alumni—a testament to its longstanding tradition of excellence. The donated fuselage will serve as a hands-on training tool, allowing students to gain practical insights into the engineering and maintenance aspects of commercial aircraft. It is expected to play a central role in the school’s aviation education programs, where students will be given the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of aircraft structures, systems, and the challenges of modern aviation engineering.
Hellen Mathuka, Kenya Airways Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, explained the significance of the donation: “This aircraft, once soaring the skies, now begins a new chapter as a learning resource to inspire and equip future aviators, engineers, and innovators.” Mathuka’s statement underscores the airline’s commitment to community investment and its vision of nurturing the next generation of aviation professionals through innovative educational partnerships.
A special ceremony was held to mark the occasion at Mangu High School, attended by key dignitaries including Archbishop Rev. Philip Anyolo, the school’s Principal John Kuria, and Dr. Wilfred Kiboro. The event, which also featured enthusiastic students, celebrated the profound impact of the donation. With the fuselage installed on campus, the school now has a tangible connection to the aviation industry, offering an immersive experience that textbooks alone cannot match.
This initiative follows a similar generous gesture by Kenya Airways in 2023, when the airline donated a Boeing 737-700 to Mangu High School. Such contributions reinforce the carrier’s role in promoting education and innovation in aviation across Kenya. By bridging the gap between industry and academia, Kenya Airways is fostering a culture of learning and inspiring young minds to pursue careers in aviation, engineering, and related fields.
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