Kenya Airways has announced plans to more than triple its fleet to 100 aircraft by 2035 as it seeks to expand its routes and carry more passengers.
The national carrier currently operates 32 aircraft and plans to increase the number to 67 by 2030 before reaching 100 five years later. Passenger numbers are also expected to rise from the current 5.2 million to nine million by 2030.
The expansion comes after Kenya Airways returned a Boeing 777 aircraft to its fleet on July 17, 2026, following a 10-year absence. The 400-seater aircraft is currently operating flights between Nairobi and London Heathrow.
The airline announced the plans during the Kenya Travel Agents Engagement and Awards 2026 event in Nairobi, where it recognised its top-performing travel agency partners.
Acting Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Captain George Kamal said travel agents remain important to the airline’s growth plans.
“Travel trade partners are our largest distribution channel in Kenya, contributing approximately 60 per cent of our passenger revenue, and we see our growth and yours as one journey,” Kamal said.
The awards recognised travel agencies that performed well in revenue contribution, market share, regional sales and growth during the 2025 calendar year.
BCD Travel Limited, which trades as Highlight Travel, was named the Top Revenue Contributor for 2025. Hemingways Travel and Satguru Tours and Travel Limited were named first and second runners-up respectively.
Incentive Travel Limited received the Top Travel Marketing Company by Market Share award, while Elite Travel Services was named the Corporate Revenue Leader.
Ramani Travel Solution Limited was recognised as the most improved partner by revenue growth, followed by Blueberry Voyage Limited.
Kenya Airways Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Julius Thairu said the airline would continue improving its distribution systems and strengthening its relationship with travel agents.
“Our relationship with the travel trade is built on trust, consistency and a shared commitment to growing the market in ways that benefit our customers, our business and the wider economy,” Thairu said.
Kenya Airways currently flies to 42 destinations worldwide, including 33 destinations in Africa, and carries more than five million passengers annually.
