Kenya Airways flies Dreamliner to Johannesburg
23-Jul-2014 Kenya Airways has begun flying one of its new B787 Dreamliner aircrafts between Nairobi and Johannesburg, giving passengers on the route a chance to experience its state-of-the-art features.
The Nairobi-Johannesburg route becomes the first African destination on which the modern aircraft has been deployed. Its maiden flight departed from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on 22 July 2014 at 07:50 and arrived at the OR Tambo International Airport at 11:50 local time.
Kenya Airways' Chief Operating Officer, Mr Mbuvi Ngunze, was onboard this inaugural flight, as was the High Commissioner of South Africa to the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Ratubatsi Super Moloi. The flight was greeted in Johannesburg by his counterpart, H.E. Ambassador Patrick Wamoto.
Mr Ngunze said that the deployment of the modern Dreamliner aircraft on the Nairobi-Johannesburg route highlighted the airline's commitment to consistently deliver a world-class experience to its passengers. He added: "The Dreamliner is the latest addition to our fleet. Its superior features will deliver an unrivalled experience to our guests. We are in the process of fleet renewal that will pave the way for the introduction of modern aircrafts on our routes." Previously, the Nairobi-Johannesburg route was served by the B767 aircraft.
So far, Kenya Airways has two B787 Dreamliner aircrafts that are already in commercial service. The third one is expected to arrive in August. By the end of the year, Kenya Airways will have six such aircrafts on its fleet.
The modern Dreamliner aircraft has a capacity of 234 seats - 30 fully flat in Premier World and 204 in economy. Featuring the very latest in aerodynamics, design and advanced technologies, this highly efficient aircraft provides better fuel efficiency of up to 20 percent compared to other long-haul aircrafts.
Among the enhanced features of B787 include a quieter, smoother flight, lower cabin pressure, higher humidity levels and ambient mood lighting contributing to a more rested feeling upon arrival in addition to cutting-edge aesthetics that includes more spacious interior cabin design featuring larger overhead bins with custom-made seats in both Business and Economy class as well as cleaner air continuously circulating through an advanced filtration system.