{
  "id": 3422923,
  "title": "Kenya Airways to roll out free in-flight WiFi from 2027, CEO reveals",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/kenya-airways-to-roll-out-free-in-flight-wifi-from-2027-ceo-reveals",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-26T04:14:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/business/kenya-airways-to-roll-out-free-in-flight-wifi-from-2027-ceo-reveals"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kenya Airways plans to offer free in-flight WiFi across its fleet starting in 2027, according to Group Acting Managing Director and CEO George Kamal. The initiative will initially target the airline's long-haul aircraft before gradually expanding to regional and shorter-haul routes. Kamal explained that installing WiFi on an aircraft is a complex and costly process, requiring significant investment - between $20 million and $22 million - before the airline starts paying monthly satellite subscription fees. Despite the expenses, Kamal believes the upgrade is necessary to remain competitive in an industry where passengers expect uninterrupted connectivity. Securing installation slots with satellite technology providers has been challenging, with providers quoting around 18 months for installation. However, Kenya Airways anticipates beginning the rollout in Q2 2027, starting with aircraft serving its longest international routes and eventually extending to regional and shorter-haul flights. Unlike many international airlines that charge for onboard internet, Kamal aims to make WiFi a complimentary service, similar to how one would access the internet on the ground.",
  "summary": "Kenya Airways passengers could soon browse the internet in the sky without paying, after Group Acting Managing Director and CEO George Kamal unveiled plans to begin rolling out free in-flight WiFi across the airline’s fleet from the second quarter of 2027. The ambitious plan will start with the airline’s long-haul aircraft before gradually expanding to […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Kenya Airways plans to offer free in-flight WiFi starting 2027.",
    "Initiative initially targets long-haul aircraft, then expands.",
    "CEO George Kamal says upgrade needed for competitive edge."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Offering free in-flight WiFi will help Kenya Airways stay competitive by meeting passengers' expectations for uninterrupted connectivity, setting it apart from many international airlines that charge for the service.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}