Kenya Airways is experiencing flight disruptions due to delays in securing aircraft components, predominantly caused by Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
According to the airline’s chief executive Allan Kilavuka, the carrier is currently unable to operate at full capacity because it is facing delays in plane maintenance processes.
“[Flight disruptions, ed.-] are the result of delays in getting our aircraft, which are undergoing scheduled maintenance, back into operations due to the global challenges with the supply for some aircraft components,” the CEO said in a statement released on January 9, 2023.
“This has constrained our aircraft availability because we do not have extra capacity to help alleviate the delays,” the head of the Kenyan flag carrier explained.
Kilavuka also said that the war in Ukraine can be blamed for the shortage of titanium, which is used in the production of various aircraft parts, such as fastening elements, airframes, and landing gear.
“The challenges have been occasioned by the Ukraine war crisis, which has significantly crippled the Russian supply chain crucial to global aviation,” the CEO said.
“The aviation supply chain is highly dependent on raw materials from many countries including Russia,” he added.
Kilavua warned that if supply chain challenges continue, the air carrier will have to adjust schedules and reduce some flight frequencies.