As part of an ambitious plan aimed at expanding its network, KQ’s chief executive Titus Naikuni told a news conference at the end of August   that the airline plans to double its fleet size in the next five years.

“Our aim is to connect all African nations to the rest of the world through our Nairobi hub,” he said.

Mr Naikuni was speaking after signing a confirmation deal with Brazil’s Embraer for 10 jets due for delivery from July next year through 2013 and the possibility of acquiring another 16 to 20 aircraft before 2016.   Embraer would be well positioned to supply most of these additional planes.  In addition KQ has signed a deal to buy 9 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner planes which will likely replace part of its ageing Boeing 767 fleet.

The airline’s present fleet comprises:

Plane type             Plane Number
Boeing 737                 15
Boeing 767                  6
Boeing 777                  4
Embraer 170/175              5
Embraer 190/195             1
Total                      31

Meanwhile the airline will be giving consideration to increasing its number of pilots from the current total of 377 to over 650   to support its growth plans.