The Kenyan carrier explains the situation by continuing disruptions in the supply chain for aircraft spare parts, and assures us that this should not last long.

Kenya Airways, Kenya's leading airline, has announced via a press release that its flights will experience disruptions during the end-of-year period, when demand for passenger transport increases substantially. "We cordially ask you to check our website for updates on any changes to your flight schedule," it said.

According to the company's management, the reason for this situation is the difficulty in sourcing aircraft spare parts worldwide, which is prolonging the grounding time of certain aircraft. Kenya Airways points out that this sacrifice is necessary to continue offering the best possible flight quality to its customers.

The carrier offers connections to several Central and West African countries, including Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal. The impact of these disruptions on travelers in these countries is not easy to predict. The situation should benefit Asky, which recently opened a route between its hub in Lomé (Togo) and Nairobi (Kenya).

While recent data from the International Air Transport Association predicts an increase in sales and a reduction in losses, particularly in Africa, the sector has indeed been facing difficulties in the supply of spare parts since mid-2022. For Kenya Airways, the challenge seems even more complex.

The company saw a 43% increase in the number of passengers carried in the first 6 months of 2023, reaching 2.5 million over the period. This translated into sales of 75 billion Kenyan shillings (KES), or around 485 million USD, up 56.2% on the same period in 2022.

However, higher operating expenses, increased foreign exchange losses and higher financial expenses reduced the company's margins, resulting in a book loss of KES 21.7 billion, up 132%. Cash flow was also affected, partly due to debt repayments of KES 10 billion and lease payments of almost KES 7.8 billion.

Kenya Airways has indicated that these disruptions will only last a few weeks. "We understand the impact that schedule changes can have on your travel plans, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Rest assured that our team is working tirelessly to minimize these disruptions and to keep you informed every step of the way," she addressed her customers.

Agence Ecofin