Kenya Airways has today launched a first-ever cabin cargo repurposing of a Boeing 787 into a “Preighter”. The term preighter was coined at the height of the pandemic last year to refer to passenger aircraft converted to cargo.

This has been made possible through a partnership with Avianor, a leader in the aerospace industry for more than 25 years. Through the partnership, the team repurposed its aircraft cabins into cargo transportation on the Boeing 787.

This joint effort is a worldwide breakthrough as it is the first ever cargo repurpose of this type to be performed on the Boeing 787, demonstrating Kenya Airways and Avianor’s role as trailblazers in the aero industry. The repurposed cabin has been certified to carry up to 16 tonnes of cargo, potentially enabling the aircraft to reach its maximum payload while in cargo operation of 46 tonnes. The repurposing began in December 2020 and was completed in January 2021.

This joint effort is in response to the growing demand and need for increased cargo capacity.

“This will have a 360 degrees impact on Kenya exports. It is a game changer that will lead to improved market access by ensuring that Kenyan products reach intended markets faster,” said Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency CEO Dr. Wilfred Marube.

Dr. Marube noted the 5.7% growth in exports trade between November 2019 (KES 530B) and November 2020 (KES 583B) partly because of Kenya Airways especially during the pandemic when they converted some of their passenger planes to cargo during the pandemic.

“Such collaborations and synergies is what will keep the Kenyan flag high on the global market. As an Agency, this is timely even as we prepare for the country’s participation in a global Expo Dubai 2020 which will run from October 1st 2021 to March 31st 2022. The Preighter will help facilitate and showcase the best of Kenyan goods and services to the world,” he added.

Kenya Airways reiterated KQs commitment to growing cargo business and creating more opportunities geared towards growth of the economy.

“We are excited to be part of the first ever certified cargo conversion of this type on the Boeing 787 aircraft. It demonstrates our agility, innovation and quick thinking as well as increases our cargo capability and capacity to keep essential goods moving across the globe. Kenya Airways will keep playing its role as a catalyst for economic growth in the continent, by connecting the world to Africa, and Africa to the world for both our Cargo and Passenger customer segments,” he said.