The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner has continued its world tour this week, making its maiden landing in Nairobi, Kenya.
Aircraft manufacturer Boeing is currently touring the world with the 787-8 Dreamliner, demonstrating the aircraft’s features and technology.
The Dreamliner touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi this week, having flown from Ethiopia where it made a similar stop-over.
It was welcomed by executives from Kenyan Airways, which placed an order for nine Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.
The African carrier also has the option of taking four more aircraft as part of the modernisation of its fleet and expansion of its services.
The 787-8 Dreamliner, with a capacity to carry 210 to 250 passengers, will be used to replace the ageing 767 aircraft, as well as open up new long range routes.
“The 787 Dreamliner fits well with our expansion strategy, giving us an opportunity to expand our markets beyond the current offering while cementing our mandate of connecting Africa to the world and the world to Africa through our hub at JKIA,” said Dr Titus Naikuni, CEO of Kenyan Airways.
The airline originally placed an order for nine Boeing 787 aircraft back in 2006, but there was a long delay in delivering the aircraft.
A new agreement has now been reached with Boeing, and Kenyan Airways now expects to take delivery of the first Dreamliner aircraft in the last quarter of 2013.
“We are excited to showcase this game-changing airplane with Kenya Airways and their invited guests,” said Van Rex Gallard, vice president, Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
“Kenya Airways puts their faith in Boeing products day in and day out as they carry more than 70,000 passengers around the world every week. They do this mostly with Boeing aircraft, which is a testament to the strong partnership we share today and will carry well into the future.”
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