Kenya Airways Expands Fleet with New Boeing 737-800
Kenya Airways is celebrating a major milestone as its latest Boeing 737-800, leased from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), touched down at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) on February 19, 2025. The aircraft, which completed a 45-minute flight from Mombasa Moi International Airport (MBA), was welcomed with a traditional water salute—a vibrant display symbolizing the carrier’s commitment to excellence and growth.
The arrival of this new 737-800 brings Kenya Airways’ fleet size to 35 aircraft, marking a significant step in the airline’s ongoing strategy to increase capacity, enhance operational efficiency, and meet the rising demand for air travel across its extensive network. “The addition of this B737-800 marks a pivotal moment in our fleet expansion journey,” said Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO. “It will increase our seat capacity and is a demonstration of our ability to adapt and grow in a challenging operating environment, even as the global aviation industry faces challenges in aircraft availability.”
The new aircraft is part of a long-term lease agreement with DAE, further solidifying a 20-year partnership that has been instrumental in modernizing Kenya Airways’ fleet. Firoz Tarapore, CEO of DAE, commented on the deal: “The addition of this Boeing 737-800 to Kenya Airways’ fleet will help meet the growing demand for regional travel and further expand their network. We congratulate the Kenya Airways team on their continued success and look forward to supporting this partnership for years to come.”
Kenya Airways, which has a storied history as the national flag carrier, paid tribute to its dedicated crew in a heartfelt social media post following the aircraft’s arrival. The airline recognized the tireless efforts of its pilots, ground operations, and engineering teams for ensuring the safe and seamless introduction of the new 737-800. “Behind every successful flight is a dedicated crew working tirelessly to ensure safety, efficiency, and comfort. A huge thank you to the incredible KQ team for making this milestone possible,” the post read.
This 12-year-old Boeing 737-800, registered as 5Y-CYF, has a unique history—it was previously operated by South American airline GOL and later by REX until December 2023. Its reintroduction into Kenya Airways’ fleet underscores the carrier’s commitment to refurbishing and utilizing proven aircraft to serve its growing customer base.
As part of its broader fleet strategy, Kenya Airways currently operates seven Boeing 737-800s alongside six Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, reinforcing its focus on modernizing operations with fuel-efficient, reliable aircraft. The latest addition not only increases overall seat capacity but also supports the airline’s efforts to expand regional connectivity across Africa and beyond.
Looking ahead, Kenya Airways plans to continue its aggressive expansion strategy, exploring new routes and increasing frequency on existing ones to meet rising demand. The airline’s proactive approach in fleet modernization and strategic partnerships is expected to enhance its competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic aviation market.
The celebratory welcome of the new Boeing 737-800 at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is more than just an operational update—it represents Kenya Airways’ steadfast commitment to providing high-quality service and connecting passengers across the region. With a growing fleet and continuous improvements in operational efficiency, Kenya Airways is well-positioned to lead regional air travel into a new era of growth and innovation.
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