Kenya Airways gets global recognition as service centre

Kenya Airways Technical has become an Embraer Authorised Service Centre (EASC), the first in Sub-Saharan Africa and the 10th in the world.

The move will see Kenya Airways Technical department offer maintenance to Embraer's global network of aircraft operators at its Nairobi base.

Embraer is one of the world's largest aircraft manufacturers in the world, based out of Sao Paulo, in Brazil. Kenya Airways has the largest Embraer fleet in Africa having operated and maintained the jets since 2007. Currently the airline has 15 E190s in its fleet.

Group Managing Director Mbuvi Ngunze said the recognition is in line with the airline's Technical department ambition to become the 'Centre of Engineering and Maintenance Excellence' in the region.

"This is a major recognition for us as it creates a platform for further growth as a maintenance and repair services provider and will drive revenue," he said during the certification ceremony held at KQ's head quarter in Embakasi.

The Embraer authorisation follows Kenya Airways Technical department approval by the European Aviation Safety Agency, in May 2015.