Kenya Airways has unveiled major growth plans alongside recognising its leading travel trade partners, signalling renewed momentum for the carrier as it scales capacity and strengthens global connectivity.
The airline honoured top-performing agencies at its Kenya Travel Agents Engagement & Awards 2026 in Nairobi, highlighting the critical role of trade partners in driving passenger revenue as the carrier embarks on its most significant expansion in a decade.
Fleet growth signals long-term expansion
Kenya Airways plans to more than double its fleet from 32 aircraft to 67 by 2030, with a longer-term target of 100 aircraft by 2035. Passenger numbers are also projected to grow from 5.2 million to 9 million by the end of the decade.
A key milestone in this strategy is the return of the Boeing 777 to the fleet, reintroduced on 17 July 2026 after a ten-year absence. The 400-seat widebody is now operating on the Nairobi–London Heathrow route, boosting long-haul capacity and reinforcing the airline’s European connectivity.
For the Australian trade, the expansion points to improved access into East Africa via key hubs, with potential for more competitive pricing and increased seat availability on high-demand routes.
Travel agents recognised for revenue and growth
The awards program, covering 35 categories, recognised agencies based on revenue contribution, market share and year-on-year growth across the 2025 calendar year.
Top-performing partners were acknowledged not only for volume but also for their ability to grow sales in competitive markets, underlining the importance of agency relationships as Kenya Airways scales its network.
Trade partnerships remain central to strategy
The timing of the awards alongside the airline’s expansion reinforces the role of the travel trade in supporting growth, particularly as Kenya Airways looks to rebuild capacity and capture increased demand across Africa and beyond.
With expanded fleet plans and strengthened long-haul operations, the carrier is positioning itself for sustained growth, creating new opportunities for agents selling Africa itineraries.
