Story on crew shortage, flight cancellation not true – KQ

 

National carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) has now clarified that the recent move to ground planes for two weeks is not a result of staff shortage as has been alleged.

In a statement on Thursday evening, KQ, in response to reports by a local daily said that since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, they have added 314 new cabin crew, and renewed contracts for majority of the staff that were affected by the pandemic.

The airline added that it currently has 853 cabin crew, 83 short of the crew the airline had before the Covid pandemic.

Kenya Airways clarified as false the assertion that cabin crew shortage is resulting in flight disruptions.

"The journalist neglected to mention that we have added more than 314 cabin crew and 91 per cent of those whose contracts had not been renewed during COVID have since been recalled," KQ clarified.

The airline further noted that the recently experienced flight delays are a result of delayed delivery of spare parts for the airline.

"Moreover, it’s worth noting that the recent flight delays acknowledged by the airline are primarily attributable to logistical challenges related to the on-time delivery of spare parts, as transparently communicated earlier," KQ said.

KQ rubbished claims of correspondence alleged to have been between the airline and cabin crew over shortage, insisting that it is committed to the logistical challenges in no time.

Kenya Airways has also assured passengers of continued operational excellence in line with its unwavering commitment to the highest safety standards.

Last week, KQ announced likely flight disruption for the next two weeks over aircraft spare parts global supply.

Managing director Allan Kilavuka said the airline would extend grounding time for flights as a safety precaution.

“Our current flight schedule may experience disruptions in the coming weeks mainly due to challenges in the aircraft spare parts global supply chain. These challenges are leading to extended ground time of our aircraft for maintenance,” Kilavuka said.

“Additionally, this may also lead to grounding one or more of our aircraft in line with our commitment to the highest level for safety and reliability of our operations.”

by BRIAN ORUTA