President Kenyatta launches new KQ plane

PHOTO | DIANA NGILA The new Boeing 111-300ER belonging to Kenya Airways arrives at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on October 25, 2013.  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• The new aircraft, which has a capacity of 400 passengers and can carry over 20 metric tonnes of cargo, will enter into service this month
• The plane, which will be Kenya Airways' largest bringing its fleet to 45, will join the already existing range of Boeing planes in the airline’s fleet

By LILLIAN ONYANGO
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President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday launched Kenya Airways’ new Boeing 777-300ER which will operate direct non-stop flights from Nairobi to Guangzhou in China.

Speaking at the event, President Kenyatta said the national carrier’s latest aircraft acquisition will ease country’s movement of people, goods and services, boost efficiency and deepen trade connections with the world, particularly with China which is one of Kenya’s cultural, diplomatic and economic development partners.

“Our desire is to attract just 0.1 per cent of China’s vast population to Kenya, as tourists. That would transform our tourist numbers and revenues,” he said during the christening ceremony for the aircraft at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

He added that his government plans to ensure that the airport will fulfil its mandate as the air hub for East and Central Africa.

“We endeavour to use every opportunity to move the agenda of national transformation one more step ahead, and we will embrace the opportunity to lift the quality and traveller experience at this airport. We know that infrastructure development is critical to economic growth that leaves no one behind,” President Kenyatta added.

NEW ROUTES

The new aircraft, which has a capacity of 400 passengers and can carry over 20 metric tonnes of cargo, and will enter into service this month, will pave way for the introduction of new continental routes.

`At the same time, he commended efforts at rebuilding sections of the airport which were damaged in the August 7th early morning fire. He applauded the progress in the building of a new terminal that will handle 2.5 million passengers a year, which is equivalent to the current capacity of the airport. (READ: JKIA fire caused by electrical fault: report)

“We are determined that this airport will fulfil its mandate as the air hub for East and Central Africa. We endeavour to use every opportunity to move the agenda of national transformation one more step ahead, and we will embrace the opportunity to lift the quality and traveller experience at this airport. We know that infrastructure development is critical to economic growth that leaves no one behind,” President Kenyatta said.

The plane, which will be Kenya Airways' largest bringing its fleet to 45, will join the already existing range of Boeing planes in the airline’s fleet – which includes 25 passenger aircrafts and two freighters.

Its premier world section has full flatbed seats with leather foot-rests, laptop stowage and armrests that also act as privacy dividers, Wi-Fi connectivity for passengers, a 15.4 inch touch screen monitor for each seat, power sockets and USB ports.

Immediately after the launch of the new aircraft, President Kenyatta left the country for Pretoria, South Africa for a two day official visit.