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KQ stands by Boeing Dreamliners despite safety glitches

dreamliner

Japanese airline, ANA, grounded all its Dreamliners after glitch. Photo/AFP

Kenya Airways will continue with its plan to buy Boeing Dreamliners despite the aircraft having faced safety scares in US and Japan.

The national carrier has ordered nine of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners to replace its ageing fleet of the 767 models and gain from efficiencies in the new-generation aircraft.

It is expected to receive the first delivery in the fourth quarter after a delay of more than six years which has been linked to the aircraft’s technical and production problems.

The latest incident occurred Wednesday when a Dreamliner operated by Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) made an emergency landing at Takamatsu airport after a battery problem triggered a cockpit error message.

This prompted ANA and Japan Airlines Co to ground all their Dreamliner planes after a series of incidents that started last year.

The hi-tech Dreamliner, which made its maiden flight in October 2011 after a three-year delay, has caused panic in several flights including fire outbreaks, engine failures, a cracked cockpit windshield, brake failures, and oil leaks.

“We have not postponed neither have we cancelled our orders for the Dreamliners,” Kenya Airways said in a statement.

Like other airlines, Kenya Airways has been attracted by Dreamliner’s advantages such as greater fuel efficiency and more cargo space achieved by increased use of lighter plastic materials in place of metals.

READ: Ethiopia airline becomes first in Africa to use Dreamliner

The 787-8 model picked by Kenya Airways has the capacity to carry between 210 and 250 passengers on routes ranging from 14,200 kilometres to 15,200 kilometres.

“The (Boeing 787-8) airplane uses 20 per cent less fuel than today’s similarly sized airplanes. Airlines will enjoy more cargo revenue capacity,” Boeing said in a pitch to clients.

Fuel costs account for more than half of Kenya Airways’ direct operating costs and the airline is keen on cutting its expenses to grow profits.

It made a net loss of Sh4.7 billion in the half year ended September compared to a net profit of Sh2 billion the year before as sales dipped 9.2 per cent to Sh49.8 billion. Its share price has seen the largest decline of 44.7 per cent in the past 12 months to trade at Sh11.

Kenya Airways says the Dreamliners will be key in its expansion plans targeting more destinations in Asia, Middle East, and the Far East.

The airline signed a purchase agreement with the Chicago-based Boeing in 2006 for supply of the nine Dreamliners with an option of buying four more units of the aircraft.

Boeing has, however, delayed in delivering the units and signed a settlement agreement with Kenya Airways last year as other airlines demanded compensation for losses.

In a statement, Boeing said it will continue to deliver the Dreamliners as ordered by airlines around the world even as US and Japan authorities review the aircraft’s safety.

The company has so far delivered 50 units of the aircraft out of a total order of 848 units worth over $185 billion from 57 airlines.

The aeroplane has clocked 50,000 hours of flight since launch and has more than 150 flights on a daily basis.

“We remain fully confident in the airplane’s design and production system,” Boeing said in a statement.

“While the 787’s reliability is on par with the best in class, we have experienced in-service issues in recent months and we are never satisfied while there is room for improvement,” the company said, adding that it will carry out joint reviews of the Dreamliner’s safety with Federal Aviation Administration.

Australian airline Qantas joined Kenya Airways in expressing confidence in the Boeing to resolve Dreamliner’s problems, announcing that it will not cancel its orders of the aircraft.