Kenya Airways plans major turnaround

By John Oyuke

Kenya Airways is laying a foundation for a major turnaround next year, as the global airlines industry projects improved performance.

The carrier has announced plans to upgrade its operational integrity through investment in staff training, improvement of systems and fleet modernisation.

It also plans to recruit at least 68 pilots as part of advance preparation for the arrival of new aircraft into its fleet and to complement staff due to retire.

The airline told its shareholders during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) that although it made a loss after tax of Sh4.1 billion in the financial year that ended on March 31, it remains optimistic its performance will improve.

The confidence comes at a time when International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced improvement in the global demand for air travel.

Global passenger traffic was down 1.1 per cent in August compared to a similar month last year, an improvement over the 2.9 per cent decline in July, IATA reported.

Improved demand

IATA’s Director General Giovanni Bisignani has, however, cautioned that while demand continues to improve, profitability remains far. "Fares have stabilised, but at profitless levels," he said, noting that the industry is not out of the woods yet.

Kenya Airways Chairman Evans Mwaniki is, however, confident that despite the loss in the last financial year, the airline has a bright future.

He gave the main drivers of the anticipated improved performance as increased passenger numbers, better yields and a favourable exchange rate.

The airline held its 33rd AGM at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi last week.

Chief Executive Titus Naikuni said the airline plans to strengthen its flight operations.

"We plan to recruit at least 48 direct entry pilots and 20 Ab-Initio (from the beginning) pilots," he said. Naikuni said the recruitment process will accommodate the exit of 23 pilots who would be leaving the national carrier in the next five years after attaining the retirement age of 63 years.

 

 

Read all about: IATA International Air Transport Association Titus Naikuni

 

 

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