Kenya Airways has announced a major step forward in its recovery efforts, revealing that one of its grounded Dreamliner aircraft will return to service on July 22, 2025, after nearly eight months of inactivity due to global supply chain disruptions and engine part shortages.
This development marks a turning point for the national carrier, which had been operating at reduced capacity following the grounding of three of its Dreamliners since late 2024. According to Group Managing Director and CEO Allan Kilavuka, the return of the first aircraft will boost the airline’s capacity back up to 85%, easing travel disruptions for customers and improving overall service delivery.
“This is a significant milestone for our fleet and operations,” Kilavuka said in a customer update issued Monday. “The return of the Dreamliner will not only alleviate capacity constraints that had shrunk by 20%, but also enhance a smoother travel experience for our customers.”
The remaining two Dreamliners are scheduled to rejoin the fleet on September 25 and December 19, 2025, respectively. In addition, the airline is planning to introduce three new narrow-body aircraft to its fleet, which will collectively provide 528 additional seats. This move is expected to increase belly cargo capacity by an impressive 239% by the fourth quarter of 2025.
As global travel demand continues to climb, Kenya Airways is keen to reassure its passengers that safety and reliability remain its top priorities. “We are eager to provide our passengers with additional capacity and comfort. We look forward to welcoming travellers back aboard our Dreamliners,” Kilavuka stated, extending gratitude to the technical team and partners who have worked tirelessly to return the aircraft to service.
The airline acknowledged recent challenges, including flight delays and cancellations, which were mainly caused by difficulty in acquiring essential spare parts. Kilavuka affirmed that the airline is actively addressing these issues, optimising its network, and working to restore seamless operations.
“Our commitment to your safety and well-being is unwavering,” the CEO emphasized, adding a special thank you to Kenya Airways staff for maintaining high service standards during a challenging period.
As the holiday season approaches, the airline’s restoration of full Dreamliner service offers renewed hope for smoother travel across its long-haul network, reaffirming its position as the “Pride of Africa” in regional and global aviation.
