E-190-Kenya Airways

Kenya Airways has taken delivery of an E-190 airliner from Brazilian aeroplane manufacturer Embraer, making it the largest operator of the aircraft in Africa.

The new aircraft is the sixth of ten E-190 jets that are expected to be delivered to Kenya Airways by the middle of this year.

The flag carrier currently operates 11 Embraer E-190s in its fleet.

Powered by GE CF34-10E engines, the E-190 features fly-by-wire technology, cockpit commonality, and has a maximum takeoff weight of 105,359lbs.

“Acquisition of the E-190 aircraft is a step towards growing the airline network by route and frequency growth.”

It can accommodate 96 passengers, 12 in business and 84 in coach and is suitable for short-haul routes within Africa.

Kenya Airways chief executive officer Titus Naikuni said: "Acquisition of the E-190 aircraft is a step towards growing the airline network by route and frequency growth, and the E190 is ideal especially for new routes development, while increasing frequencies on existing routes."

The carrier expects to increase its fleet size to 119 by 2021 from the current 39 aircraft, while growing the number of destinations to more than 115 from the 50 it currently flies to.

In addition, the carrier has placed an order with Boeing for nine 787 Dreamliners that are scheduled to be delivered by 2014.

Kenya Airways, a member of the Sky Team Alliance, operates flights to some 50 destinations worldwide, with 40 of those in Africa, and carries more than three million passengers annually.

Earlier this month, Irish aircraft leasing firm Aldus Aviation placed a $1.5bn firm order for five E-175s and 15 E-190s, with an option for an additional 15 E-Jet aircraft.

Image: Kenya Airways expects to receive the remaining four E-190 jets from the previous order for 10 jets, by the mid of this year. Photo: Kenya Airways Limited.