KQ to begin installing Wi-Fi on long-haul flights in 2027
Acting Managing Director and CEO George Kamal said the rollout will begin with aircraft operating long-haul routes to London, Paris, New York, China and Amsterdam before being extended to shorter routes.
Nairobi, Kenya – Kenya Airways (KQ) is set to begin installing Wi-Fi on its long-haul aircraft starting from the second quarter of 2027, aiming to enhance passenger experience. Acting Managing Director and CEO George Kamal announced that the rollout will initially target aircraft operating long-haul routes to London, Paris, New York, China, and Amsterdam prior to expanding to shorter routes.
"Starting from Q2 2027, we will install Wi-Fi on each aircraft one by one as it returns to the hangar. Our first targets are the long-range flights to London, Paris, JFK, China, and Amsterdam," Kamal explained.
Kamal revealed that the installation process for each aircraft will commence upon its return to the hangar. The carrier already possesses one Boeing 777 aircraft equipped with Wi-Fi, which he noted will help mitigate the financial burden of the initial rollout. "This process might take time, but at least we have a head start. Our Boeing 777 is already equipped, so the cost for this first phase will be lower," Kamal stated.
He emphasized that the primary hurdle in deploying Wi-Fi across the entire fleet is the substantial upfront investment required. "It's estimated that the installation of Wi-Fi across our current fleet will cost approximately $20 million to $22 million," Kamal said. Despite this challenge, KQ's upcoming investment will provide passengers on long-haul flights with internet access during their journey, with the service to be extended to the rest of the fleet in the future.
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