Kenya Airways (KQ) plans to more than double its aircraft fleet to 67 by 2030 from the current 32 as part of an ambitious expansion strategy aimed at meeting growing passenger demand and strengthening its regional and international network.
The national carrier also targets increasing its fleet to 100 aircraft by 2035 while raising annual passenger numbers to nine million by 2030, up from the current 5.2 million.
The expansion strategy comes after the airline returned its 400-seat Boeing 777 wide-body aircraft to service on July 17, 2026, following a decade-long absence. The aircraft currently operates on the Nairobi–London Heathrow route, one of the airline’s key international destinations.
Kenya Airways unveiled its growth plans during the Kenya Travel Agents Engagement & Awards 2026 held in Nairobi, where it also recognized top-performing travel agency partners for their contribution to ticket sales and business growth.
BCD Travel Limited, trading as Highlight Travel, was named the top revenue contributor for 2025. Hemingways Travel and Satguru Tours & Travel Limited were recognized as the first and second runners-up, respectively.
Incentive Travel Limited received the award for Top Travel Marketing Company by Market Share, while Elite Travel Services was recognized as the Corporate Revenue Leader. Ramani Travel Solution Limited was awarded the Most Improved Partner of the Year based on revenue growth.
Speaking during the event, Kenya Airways Acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Captain George Kamal said travel agents remain a key pillar of the airline’s long-term growth strategy.
“As Kenya Airways approaches our 50-year milestone, our future success will continue to be built through strong relationships and shared success with the travel trade,” Kamal said.
The airline said expanding its fleet and passenger capacity will enable it to strengthen connectivity across Africa and key international markets while supporting the growing demand for both business and leisure travel.
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