Kenya Airways has warned its customers and clients about potential disruptions to its flight schedule this upcoming Christmas holiday season.
The airline expects the disruptions to last for about two weeks and is attributing the reason to spare parts shortages plaguing the global aviation supply chain.
However, the airline anticipates that the disruptions may persist for approximately two weeks.
The scarcity challenge for these spare parts is not new and has persisted since January 2023. And the national carrier has grappled with it all year. It has done a good job so far, but things are bound to get tricky this Christmas season.
The shortage of spare parts is primarily due to geopolitical conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine. The war has had a detrimental impact on the Russian supply chain for global aviation. The conflict disrupted the supply of titanium from Russia. A crucial raw material for the aviation industry and vital for aircraft maintenance.
Kenya Airways, as one of Africa’s major airlines and one of the top ten best airlines on the continent, operates a fleet of over 40 aircraft, including Boeing and Embraer jets. The airline has also consistently proven its commitment to providing safe and comfortable travel experiences for its passengers.
However, the disruptions in flight schedules are out of its control. It will likely lead to extended ground time for aircraft maintenance and will likely impact multiple aircraft.
What does this mean for Kenya Airways consumers and clients?
In a letter addressed to travellers, Allan Kilavuka, the CEO and Group Managing Director of Kenya Airways, expressed gratitude for customers’ continued support and loyalty. He acknowledged the challenges in the supply of aircraft spare parts and apologized for any inconvenience the disruptions may cause.
The disruptions are particularly impactful as they coincide with the busy holiday season, where the demand for air travel usually spikes. The airline assures customers that its team is working tirelessly to minimize disruptions and provide timely information and support.
Travellers and logistics companies are encouraged to check for updates on any changes to their flight schedule through the airline’s website, Customer Excellency Centre (CEC), or mobile app.
The impact of the spare parts difficulty on Kenya Airways highlights the vulnerabilities within the global supply chain and the broader challenges faced by the aviation industry due to geopolitical conflicts.
Obinabo Tochukwu Tabansi is a supply chain mastro and writer with a decade of experience working in different facets of the supply chain. Today he is living his passion for writing on all things supply chain. His blog, Supply Chain Nuggets, is Africa’s fastest-rising supply chain blog, helping professionals, business owners, and curious minds navigate the supply chain complexities on the continent.
