Kenya Airways Ltd. and Lufthansa Technik AG recently signed a long-term contract regarding the supply of aircraft components for the Kenyan flag carrier's long-haul fleet. As a result, Kenya Airways' total of nine Boeing 787-8s will receive the proven Total Component Support (TCS) from the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) specialist until 2028. Access to Lufthansa Technik's worldwide parts pool will enable the Nairobi-based airline to significantly increase the availability of spare parts for its Dreamliners, and to do so in a very cost-effective manner.

The contract, for which Lufthansa Technik had to undergo a rigorous bidding process, covers not only the classic MRO and supply of components but also an AOG (Aircraft On Ground) support, various parts-pooling and logistics services. The close cooperation between the two companies will enable the airline to maximize efficiency in its technical operations and ensure the best possible availability of the spare parts it needs. The first services already began in May.

“Due to increased demand in air travel, Kenya Airways embarked on a journey of returning to service aircraft that were parked during the pandemic. This resulted in an increased demand of parts to make the aircraft ready for flight. There has been a worldwide shortage of some raw materials negatively affecting availability of some aircraft parts,” says Allan Kilavuka, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Airways. “Therefore, we are looking forward to working with Lufthansa Technik, which will make us less dependent on the current global supply chain situation.”

“With access to our worldwide network of material and parts pools, our valued customer will indeed be able to significantly mitigate uncertainties in the global aircraft parts supply chain,” says Kai-Stefan Roepke, Vice President Corporate Sales Europe, Middle East and Africa at Lufthansa Technik. “We look forward to supporting Kenya Airways in the best possible way through our Total Component Support. This applies to the post-pandemic ramp-up phase as well as to the coming years of our cooperation.”