Kenya Airways has repurposed the aircraft cabins of two of its Boeing 787 aircraft for cargo transportation.
Working with Avianor, the project is the first ever cargo repurpose of this type to be performed on the Boeing 787. The repurposing began in December 2020 and was completed in January 2021.
The repurposed cabin has been certified to carry up to 16 tonnes of cargo, potentially enabling the aircraft to reach its maximum payload while in cargo operation of 46 tonnes.
“We are excited to be part of the first ever certified cargo conversion of this type on the Boeing 787 aircraft. It demonstrates our agility, innovation and quick thinking as well as increases our cargo capability and capacity to keep essential goods moving across the globe. Kenya Airways will keep playing its role as a catalyst for economic growth in the continent, by connecting the world to Africa, and Africa to the world for both our Cargo and Passenger customer segments,” said Allan Kilavuka, Group Managing Director & CEO, Kenya Airways.
In 2020, Kenya Airways used some of its nine Boeing 787 aircraft for cargo transportation, aircraft seats remained, limiting the space for an increased freight capacity.
Avianor supervised Kenya Airways’ modifications on the full cabin repurposing, which has received air worthiness approval from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCCA) and Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). Cargo flights are expected to begin soon.
Captain Gilbert Kibe, Director General Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA),commented: “As passenger numbers are at an all-time low, airlines have had to look for alternative means of revenue to stay afloat. This project is economically significant as it will retain and create new jobs as well as support Kenya Airways in its recovery efforts to diversify revenues,” said Captain Kibe.
