Kenya Airways Shifts from Wet to Damp Lease for A330 to Enhance Service Quality

Kenya Airways is transitioning its leasing arrangement for an A330-300 aircraft from a wet lease with Hi Fly Malta to a damp lease, a move driven by the need to align customer service standards and overcome language barriers. The Nairobi-based carrier has initiated crew training to support this change, signaling a proactive approach to addressing customer feedback, particularly from premium class passengers.

The decision, as reported by Business Day Africa, comes after feedback indicated that language differences and inconsistent service approaches under the current wet lease arrangement were leading to customer dissatisfaction. The group’s Managing Director and CEO, Allan Kilavuka, confirmed the airline’s strategic shift, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high service and safety standards across all operations. “We have commenced crew training to replace and complement some of our flights as we head into the busy high season,” Kilavuka said.

He further mentioned that the contractual details are protected under non-disclosure agreements but reassured that the leases include provisions for backup aircraft to ensure uninterrupted service during routine or unexpected maintenance periods.

The A330 involved, registered as 9H-HFI, was initially leased in December 2023 to bolster capacity during the peak travel season. It will continue to serve the airline to avoid operational disruptions, especially as Kenya Airways faces maintenance challenges with one of its nine Boeing 787-8s due to the unavailability of spare parts.

Kenya Airways predominantly operates Boeing and Embraer aircraft, and the integration of Airbus operations under the damp lease arrangement highlights the airline’s commitment to comprehensive training and standardization. The fleet adjustment is part of a broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction as the airline prepares for increased demand.