It was a long weekend in Kenya. From Friday, the next working day was Tuesday given that Monday was Mashujaa (heroes) day. Kenya Airways during the period was in the news for reasons both positive and neative.
Lets start with the reported crash landing of a Kenya Airways plane:
Kenya Airways (KQ) plane from India makes an emergency landing in Mombasa
A Kenya Airways plane carrying 38 passengers from India yesterday had to request for an emergency landing at Moi International Airport, Mombasa after the pilot sensed it was low on fuel. The 737-800 craft was scheduled to land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi in the morning but had to divert to Mombasa. “The plane landed safely and the passengers did not even realise what was happening. It is usually down to the expertise of the pilot.” Moi International Airport manager Yatich Kangugo said on phone. […]
Then reports that the problem was not due to inadequate fuel but because of a mechanical fault in the fuel control system:
KQ 221 diverted due to mechanical fault, had enough fuel
“Kenya Airways wishes to confirm that its flight KQ221 from New Delhi to Nairobi was diverted to Moi International Airport in Mombasa. The aircraft developed a mechanical fault in the fuel control system and although it had enough fuel, it needed to land at the nearest alternate airport,” KQ CEO Mbuvi Ngunze said in a statement.
He added that the plane was diverted to Mombasa as a precautionary measure as the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport airspace was closed for Mashujaa Day celebrations at the time it was to land in Nairobi. […]
KQ received two new aircraft over the weekend
Kenya Airways receives one 737-800 and one 787-8 Dreamliner
Kenya Airways has received two new modern aircraft with state-of-the-art features, bringing the number of its active aircraft to 40. The airline’s first next generation B737-800 touched down at Kenya Airways’ hub at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi on Sunday (October 19, 2014) at 1700 hours, while its sixth B787 Dreamliner landed on Monday, October 20, 2014.
The B737-800 is the first of Kenya Airways’ aircraft with the Boeing Sky Interior. It is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency and economic performance. KQ expects two more of the B 737s this year and three more Dreamliners next year. […]
This meant KQ now has the youngest fleet in Africa
KQ now operates the youngest fleet in Africa
Kenya Airways reached a new milestone, when a brand new B737-8HX Sky Interior arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport late Sunday afternoon. This is the first delivery of an order of five such aircraft, the remaining four are expected to join the fleet over the coming months.The Kenyan flag carrier now holds the distinction of operating Africa’s youngest fleet. […]
And some good news with regard to Corporate Social Responsibility: The Dreamliner brought medical supplies
Boeing, Kenya Airways Partner with Non-Profits to Deliver Medical Resources for Children in Kenya
Boeing and Kenya Airways have partnered with First Baptist Church in Baytown, Texas, to transport medical equipment to Kajiado, Kenya, on a newly delivered 787 Dreamliner from the company’s North Charleston, South Carolina, facility. The supplies, including examination tables and other equipment, will benefit Kenyan children served by the Africa Inland Church Childcare Center in Kajiado. The center provides care and treatment for children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. […]
<Updated on 23/10/2014 with phrasing changes in the first paragraph>